Hello Family, Friends, and Readers -
So much has happened since I last blogged. I believe I left off back on Thanksgiving day.....yikes!
Thanksgiving day was absolutely wonderful. I had a great day eating myself full and spending time with family. We went on a nice walk and watched some football. PS - I was not one of the crazy people who went out shopping Thursday night/Friday morning either :) - I just did my shopping online.
On Friday I slept in, worked on some Christmas things, and spent the afternoon with the Logans. We went and saw Wreck-It Ralph, which was pretty good. Friday evening we all returned to Grandma and Grandpa's for Thanksgiving - Part 2!
On Saturday I did some Christmas shopping and did some homework. Sunday morning I left for Tech again...headed into the last three weeks of the semester!
The first two weeks back was fairly normal. I had a few quizzes and minor things due, but nothing huge. I even got a chance to make some Christmas cookies, which I was quite proud of (see pics!). One Saturday afternoon some friends and I went on an adventure to Copper Harbor and went exploring...see pics! On Friday (Dec. 7th) some friends and I celebrated Christmas. We exchanged presents, had a good time, and went bowling. It was a lot of fun to take a small break from school and enjoy some "real life" for a few hours. On that Saturday we made our brooms for broomball, which starts right after we get back in January. On that Sunday we had our hall holiday party where we decorated our kitchenette and made cookies. We also had our mandatory hall meeting in preparation for finals week and Christmas break. I have also gotten the chance lately to go running a little and take exercise breaks from my studies. I also had a little Christmas gift for myself, with the arrival of my new TV! I have it hooked up to my computer and am using it as a dual monitor at the moment. I am quite happy with my purchase :)
The ensuing two weeks were a little different. My time was filled with studying, writing papers, final projects, and, of course, final exams. Having 18 credits certainly shows itself in the last few weeks of a semester :) But, after much work and little time for play, the semester is over. Though I am happy that the academics are finished, the end of the semester is bittersweet.During the past four months have I have had some of the best times of my life with some of the greatest people I have ever met. It is hard to think that this academic year is already half over.
But, those two weeks weren't all academics. I still had a little time for fun (had to keep myself sane :) As a Wads Learning Community Staff we went to dinner to celebrate the semester. We had a wonderful meal at The Library Restaurant. There was also a little time for some hockey games. Unfortunately the Huskies lost both games against UND, Kayla's school.
When it is all said and done, the last four weeks, since Thanksgiving, have been non-stop between academics, holiday shenanigans, and activities to help us keep our sanity. But, as I said before, I wouldn't have it any other way. I have enjoyed myself each and every moment. So, to wrap things up, the semester ended quickly. I had four finals and two final reports due last week. I think they all went fairly well and my final grades will be up in a few days time.
On Friday I traveled home. After some finals week craziness and a blizzard on Thursday it was nice to travel home to a cold, but sunny, MN! Friday night I went to Dunn Bros and got to see some of my high school friends. It is always fun to see each other after we have all gone off to our new "worlds" and then come back and share stories. On Saturday I got to sleep in.....what a concept. Most days I go to bed after midnight and am up at 6:15am...but not on Saturday...I hardly rolled out of bed before afternoon! The perks of being home :) On Saturday afternoon Dad, Kayla, and I took a long awaited trip to the Sprint Store. Kayla and I joined the smartphone crowd and I now have a new phone! My old phone was over three years old so a new phone is a change, but very exciting! The rest of Saturday and Sunday have been working to get ready for tonight, Christmas eve, which is at our house. The Yarusso side of the family comes over tonight and then tomorrow we are headed to Grandma and Grandpa Widenstrom's, as is tradition.
It is an exciting time of year, with the semester over and being home for three weeks. I hope to blog more often now with a little more time on my hands :)
I wish all of my family, friends, and readers (whom I consider my friends :) a very merry Christmas and a joyous new year!
Monday, December 24, 2012
Thursday, November 22, 2012
There's So Much To Be Thankful For
Family and Friends -
On this blessed Thanksgiving day I thank God for each of you and all that each of you has given to me. I thank Him for my family, friends, food, and fun. I am grateful for the wonderful life I have and all of the love He has shown me.
I have been home for the whole week, which has been great. I got home around 3:30pm last Friday afternoon. Friday evening we, as a family, went to see the new movie, Lincoln. It was long, but pretty good.
On Sunday I helped out at the Pancake Breakfast with the scouts. It was nice to see lots of friends and people from church. Sunday afternoon was really nice...napping on the couch with the dog and watching football. Sunday night I enjoyed watching the AMA awards.
This week has been fairly relaxing too. Monday I got my haircut and went to the scout meeting. Tuesday and Wednesday I worked on Christmas presents and have been catching up on a few things; running errands and getting so much needed shopping done.
Today I will spend the day with family, eating food and doing....nothing :) Again, I am very thankful for everything in my life and know that that includes all of you!
Sincerely, Kyle
On this blessed Thanksgiving day I thank God for each of you and all that each of you has given to me. I thank Him for my family, friends, food, and fun. I am grateful for the wonderful life I have and all of the love He has shown me.
I have been home for the whole week, which has been great. I got home around 3:30pm last Friday afternoon. Friday evening we, as a family, went to see the new movie, Lincoln. It was long, but pretty good.
I finally got to sleep in on Saturday. I haven't slept in for a very long time! I helped put the Christmas lights on the house and we did a little garage clean up. I had a lazy afternoon and then Saturday evening we went to go see Anything Goes, the theater production at White Bear Lake High School. It was really good!
On Sunday I helped out at the Pancake Breakfast with the scouts. It was nice to see lots of friends and people from church. Sunday afternoon was really nice...napping on the couch with the dog and watching football. Sunday night I enjoyed watching the AMA awards.
This week has been fairly relaxing too. Monday I got my haircut and went to the scout meeting. Tuesday and Wednesday I worked on Christmas presents and have been catching up on a few things; running errands and getting so much needed shopping done.
Today I will spend the day with family, eating food and doing....nothing :) Again, I am very thankful for everything in my life and know that that includes all of you!
Sincerely, Kyle
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Coming Up....Thanksgiving!
Family and Friends - * If you understand the title of this post know that I will be home soon :) *
The past week has been a blur and the time remaining before Thanksgiving break is growing shorter. Last weekend I got the chance to go home, as many of you know. I had a great time surprising some and seeing everyone. The show at Ashland Productions was AMAZING and the relaxing time at home was unprecedented. Last Sunday I left right after church and drove back to Michigan. Changing the clocks twice in one day (Daylight Savings and a time zone change) was certainly weird.
The doings of the past week went something like this....
Monday and Tuesday was, as you are all aware, the epitome of the election season. On Tuesday evening I stayed up to hear the results of all of the elections. The results include a new mayor of Lake Elmo, new city council members, and the re-election of the President. Also on Tuesday, I met with my Academic Advisor to help figure out my schedule for Spring 2013. Wednesday was an intense studying evening, seeing as I had a Forest Ecology Lab Practicum and a Statistics exam on Thursday. I also had a World Cultures exam Friday morning. I think they all went well, and we will see when the grades come in! Also in and amongst the crazy schedule of exams I registered for classes for the spring. I will be taking.....Institutions, Biometrics and Data Analysis, Intro to GIS, US Environmental History, Intro to Legal Careers, and Bowling! It should be a fun semester, with 16.5 credits. Friday was fairly relaxing. I had my World Cultures exam in the morning and I had a Forest Ecology Group Lab Report to finish by 5pm, but overall Friday was a nice break from the chaos (Fridays are normally a nice break for me :)
Friday evening we went to the womens' volleyball game. The athletics dept. held a contest to see which residence hall house could get the highest percentage of their hall to the game. The winning hall got a private party in the balcony of the gym and free food for Saturday's game. Long story short, TreeHouse won! We had the highest attendance percentage on Friday so we had lunch and watched the game on Saturday from the balcony. Pretty cool and good food :) See pics! Saturday night we held a program over in Hillside Place (on campus apartments). There are nice fireplaces, a nice kitchen area, a pool table, a foosball table, and a ping pong table. We hung out and played games and ate s'mores made in the oven (it was raining so we couldn't use the outdoor fireplace). Again, see pics! This morning I went to church and this afternoon will include homework and laundry, the Sunday usual's.
This coming week includes a Soil Science Quiz and a report due and a Forest Ecology Exam. It also includes hosting two Husky Hosts on Thursday night into Friday morning. I will have two guests staying with me to get the feeling of residence hall living and to connect with current students. I'm looking forward to it! Then.....drum roll please.....I'm coming HOME!! I will be home Friday evening...yep, this Friday! I will driving home on Friday, along with two other friends. I can't wait to be home (again!) and get an entire week for Thanksgiving Break.
In this time of thanks know that I am thankful for each of you who care about me and all of you who enjoy reading and listening to me share my life!
Saturday, November 3, 2012
Where Does Time Go?!?!
Hello Family and Friends -
The longest drought between blogs is over! As seen, I only blogged once in October, meaning it was a VERY busy month. I will attempt to give you the "catch-up" without overloading you :)
So.....way back on October 14th I wrote my last blog. Since then here are a few highlights!
On Monday (15th) I had a Statistics Exam. On that Tuesday I gave a presentation in Compositions class. I had lots of work to do that week, but it was all in preparation for Uncle Dan and Aunt Nicole coming! They came up on Thursday night and stayed through Friday afternoon. I enjoyed spending time with them :) We toured campus, went to brunch at "The Library" restaurant and then went and explored Hungarian Falls. On that Friday the Huskies played hockey against the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers. Huskies won 8-3! After the hockey game some friends and I went to carve pumpkins in McNair Hall. That Saturday we had an Undergraduate Student Government (USG) Retreat. We went to brunch at Suomi's Restaurant and had really good food! Saturday I spent writing a compositions paper. Saturday evening there was another hockey game and we lost 3-2. Sunday was the my friend Hannah's birthday (TreeHouse RA). Her parents came up and a few of us went to Kaleva Cafe for brunch to celebrate. On Tuesday night I attended the Broomball Meeting, in preparation for broomball this winter!
The next week was fairly steady. The regular amount of homework and a lot of odds-n-ends. That Tuesday was an "all staff" meeting, meaning that all RA's and PA's across campus come together for a large meeting. USG has been keeping me busy with lots of funding requests and other meetings. Lots of things are in discussion including tobacco-free campus and flat rate tuition. That Wednesday we had our weekly Wobble Wednesday and Thursday was movie night and we watched Sweeney Todd. Thursday for Forest Ecology Lab we went to a preserve to look at invasive species and got to see some deer pretty close up. Friday was fairly relaxing, especially that evening. Some friends and I went shopping for a few things we needed for Saturday and "lived it up" by going to Goodwill, Walmart, DollarTree, and Culvers, just to name a few places! It was a great, fun evening with fun people :) Saturday (27th) was Make a Difference Day. The University coordinated groups to go out and do service in the Houghton community. As a group, TreeHouse went to this woman's house and did a variety of things, including raking leaves, taking apart her garden fence, draining the garden hoses, and helping her move her chicken fence. We all had a fun time and pics are coming soon! It started to snow as we were finishing helping her out! The snow was SO pretty! That afternoon and evening were dedicated to Safehouse, which is the University's Halloween event. Each house (hallway) decorates either as a scary or fun house and then the community walks through. Think of it like a haunted house. We were a scary house and blacked out the hallway, got out our strobe light, and put on make up, fake blood, and scary costumes. We had an excellent hallway...it was pretty scary! We all had a great time decorating and setting up, as it was snowing outside and we were playing Christmas music, even though we were decorating for Halloween :) I have a wonderful all and Saturday's events (Make a Difference Day and Safehouse) definitely showed that : ) I am really proud of my hall!! Sunday was the time to do homework and relax. Sunday night we registered the broomball teams, which is the next big step towards broomball! Also, the snow didn't stick, but it continues to fall.
This past week has been full too. This past week was the 9th week of the 14 week semester, so half way is long past. Quizzes are abound and papers are in full force. Besides the 18 credits and the PA job I, of course, like to be even more busy. I have recently been working to help better define the role of the Program Assistant and have been meeting with a variety of people to help figure it out. My final paper for compositions was due on Thursday and I gave a presentation on my topic, which was "Critiquing the Public Space of Roadways." On Thursday night we watched Slumdog Millionaire for movie might and have yummy brownies. Also on Thursday night Dad drove up to get me to bring me HOME for the weekend!!!! That's right! My wonderful father drove all night to come and get me. We had breakfast and left Friday morning for MN! I am now relaxing at home for the weekend, away from the craziness of Houghton, school work, the PA job, and, well, certain people :) We got home yesterday afternoon and I went and surprised Grandma W.! Last night I went to see "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" at Ashland Productions. Mom is the Assistant Director and runs lights and Angela is in the show. It was an excellent production and everyone involved should be proud :) Today I got to sleep in (for the first time, really, since May). I had a wonderful brunch with Mary and visited with Grandma and Grandpa W. Now, for the first time in a half a month, I have time to write this blog and work on photos. Tonight I am seeing the show again, then church tomorrow morning, and then back on the road to MI.
Thank you all for being patient with me as I got behind on my blogging. I will try not to let that happen again :) Life is busy, busy, busy and sometimes it is tough to find time to write about how busy it is! It is really nice to be home this weekend and relax. I cannot express how nice it is to get away from the hectic life of school.
I know that there is a lot I didn't write about in this blog, as I tried to keep it "short," but know that my life is busy but extremely fun, and I wouldn't have it any other way. I have wonderful friends and family to spend my time with and wouldn't trade it for anything. Photos from the past couple weeks will be up soon, so look in the near future! Have a wonderful weekend and recognize the power of relaxation!
Love and Peace, Kyle
The longest drought between blogs is over! As seen, I only blogged once in October, meaning it was a VERY busy month. I will attempt to give you the "catch-up" without overloading you :)
So.....way back on October 14th I wrote my last blog. Since then here are a few highlights!
On Monday (15th) I had a Statistics Exam. On that Tuesday I gave a presentation in Compositions class. I had lots of work to do that week, but it was all in preparation for Uncle Dan and Aunt Nicole coming! They came up on Thursday night and stayed through Friday afternoon. I enjoyed spending time with them :) We toured campus, went to brunch at "The Library" restaurant and then went and explored Hungarian Falls. On that Friday the Huskies played hockey against the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers. Huskies won 8-3! After the hockey game some friends and I went to carve pumpkins in McNair Hall. That Saturday we had an Undergraduate Student Government (USG) Retreat. We went to brunch at Suomi's Restaurant and had really good food! Saturday I spent writing a compositions paper. Saturday evening there was another hockey game and we lost 3-2. Sunday was the my friend Hannah's birthday (TreeHouse RA). Her parents came up and a few of us went to Kaleva Cafe for brunch to celebrate. On Tuesday night I attended the Broomball Meeting, in preparation for broomball this winter!
The next week was fairly steady. The regular amount of homework and a lot of odds-n-ends. That Tuesday was an "all staff" meeting, meaning that all RA's and PA's across campus come together for a large meeting. USG has been keeping me busy with lots of funding requests and other meetings. Lots of things are in discussion including tobacco-free campus and flat rate tuition. That Wednesday we had our weekly Wobble Wednesday and Thursday was movie night and we watched Sweeney Todd. Thursday for Forest Ecology Lab we went to a preserve to look at invasive species and got to see some deer pretty close up. Friday was fairly relaxing, especially that evening. Some friends and I went shopping for a few things we needed for Saturday and "lived it up" by going to Goodwill, Walmart, DollarTree, and Culvers, just to name a few places! It was a great, fun evening with fun people :) Saturday (27th) was Make a Difference Day. The University coordinated groups to go out and do service in the Houghton community. As a group, TreeHouse went to this woman's house and did a variety of things, including raking leaves, taking apart her garden fence, draining the garden hoses, and helping her move her chicken fence. We all had a fun time and pics are coming soon! It started to snow as we were finishing helping her out! The snow was SO pretty! That afternoon and evening were dedicated to Safehouse, which is the University's Halloween event. Each house (hallway) decorates either as a scary or fun house and then the community walks through. Think of it like a haunted house. We were a scary house and blacked out the hallway, got out our strobe light, and put on make up, fake blood, and scary costumes. We had an excellent hallway...it was pretty scary! We all had a great time decorating and setting up, as it was snowing outside and we were playing Christmas music, even though we were decorating for Halloween :) I have a wonderful all and Saturday's events (Make a Difference Day and Safehouse) definitely showed that : ) I am really proud of my hall!! Sunday was the time to do homework and relax. Sunday night we registered the broomball teams, which is the next big step towards broomball! Also, the snow didn't stick, but it continues to fall.
This past week has been full too. This past week was the 9th week of the 14 week semester, so half way is long past. Quizzes are abound and papers are in full force. Besides the 18 credits and the PA job I, of course, like to be even more busy. I have recently been working to help better define the role of the Program Assistant and have been meeting with a variety of people to help figure it out. My final paper for compositions was due on Thursday and I gave a presentation on my topic, which was "Critiquing the Public Space of Roadways." On Thursday night we watched Slumdog Millionaire for movie might and have yummy brownies. Also on Thursday night Dad drove up to get me to bring me HOME for the weekend!!!! That's right! My wonderful father drove all night to come and get me. We had breakfast and left Friday morning for MN! I am now relaxing at home for the weekend, away from the craziness of Houghton, school work, the PA job, and, well, certain people :) We got home yesterday afternoon and I went and surprised Grandma W.! Last night I went to see "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" at Ashland Productions. Mom is the Assistant Director and runs lights and Angela is in the show. It was an excellent production and everyone involved should be proud :) Today I got to sleep in (for the first time, really, since May). I had a wonderful brunch with Mary and visited with Grandma and Grandpa W. Now, for the first time in a half a month, I have time to write this blog and work on photos. Tonight I am seeing the show again, then church tomorrow morning, and then back on the road to MI.
Thank you all for being patient with me as I got behind on my blogging. I will try not to let that happen again :) Life is busy, busy, busy and sometimes it is tough to find time to write about how busy it is! It is really nice to be home this weekend and relax. I cannot express how nice it is to get away from the hectic life of school.
I know that there is a lot I didn't write about in this blog, as I tried to keep it "short," but know that my life is busy but extremely fun, and I wouldn't have it any other way. I have wonderful friends and family to spend my time with and wouldn't trade it for anything. Photos from the past couple weeks will be up soon, so look in the near future! Have a wonderful weekend and recognize the power of relaxation!
Love and Peace, Kyle
Sunday, October 14, 2012
October is Here and Half Over!
Hello Family and Friends!
October is here and the winds are blowing and the snow is falling! The first snow has fallen in Houghton for the 2012/13 season! More on that later....back to the beginning of October....
On Friday(Sept. 28th) I did not end up going to the animal shelter because of bad weather. Instead we hung out and played games.
On Saturday (29th) morning I helped volunteer at the Great Northern Adventure Race (GNAR) which I did last year as well. This year I was helping at the canoe-racking station. I took some pics..take a look! My friends Anna and Michael also volunteered.
After GNAR I went to an open house at the home of the Vice President of Student Affairs, Dr. Les Cook. All Student Life staff was invited and it was a great party with lots of friends. Homemade food and steak cooked on the grill from Les himself!
After the open house was a football game. We had a great come-back in the second half but lost 51-43. It was a fun game and there was A LOT of people there. The school broke one of it's own records; how many people they had at Sherman Field for an event. It was around 4,800 people.
On Sunday I went to church. Afterward some of us went to watch the women's volleyball games. We got free T-shirts too! We also played frisbockey later that afternoon.
Last week was fairly busy. On Tuesday (2nd) Michigan Tech held their career fair. This is where companies come and set up booths in the SDC and students dress up and go around and talk to various companies.
On Wednesday (3rd) I met with my compositions professor to discuss my research. Wed. evening I had my regular meetings.
On Thursday (4th) I had a Soil Science Quiz, which went well. For Forest Ecology Lab we traveled north along the Keweenaw and I got to drive :) We also stopped at a nice beach and ate cookies our professor brought! I also had a great meeting with my boss, Kim.
Friday (5th) the weather decided to do a 180 and it was cold, blustery, and raining. Friday morning I had a World Cultures Exam, which I found out I did well on. Friday afternoon I got the opportunity to help out at the Water Festival at the Great Lakes Research Center, which is right here on campus. Students from all over the western UP came to the Center to learn about water, science, the Great Lakes, and the environment is general. I helped lead a group around for the afternoon, taking them from station to station.
Last Saturday (6th) I gave tours as part of our Open House. Saturday evening was the first Husky hockey game of the season, versus Brock University. We won the game 6-2!
On Sunday (7th) homecoming activities started. A group of us went and painted a window at the SDC in the spirit of homecoming (Go Tech!, etc.) We also played in the homecoming kickball tournament. Sunday evening I had a group meeting with my Forest Ecology Lab group to work on our report.
This week has been pretty busy. On Tuesday I had a review session for my Forest Ecology Class and my professor's wife made us muffins and pumpkin cake. It is seriously the best class!
Wednesday I had my Forest Ecology Exam and Thursday I had my Soil Science Exam. Both went fairly well. I will find out later this week how I did.
On Thursday we got to go to the Porcupine Mountains for Forest Ecology Lab. It was a pretty drive and a great lab. We explored the old-growth hemlock forests. As is custom, our professor brought cookies and soda for the class. We also stopped at Lake of the Clouds for fun. Take a look at my pictures! Thursday night I was up late working on our cardboard boat.
Friday was the culmination of homecoming events. I got my haircut in the mid-afternoon and we transferred our cardboard boat to the park. At 4pm there was a parade, followed by a pep rally. Around 5pm we started the cardboard boat races! Halls build cardboard boats and then we race them out around a buoy and back. Last year's TreeHouse's boat didn't hardly leave shore, so we were aiming for more than a few feet....and we did! Our boat made it out to about the buoy and then, unfortunately, sunk. Commending efforts go to all who worked on and rode in the boat (they got a little cold and wet...). Friday evening I had a meeting in preparation for a presentation I am giving on Tuesday. Friday night WHSA hosted a coffeehouse downstairs, so a few of us went down and listened to some good music.
Yesterday was the homecoming football game and a hockey game. We won both games, football 27-21 and hockey 8-4! The football game was a little rainy, but it was alright. The homecoming court was announced and my friends Logan and Anne were announced as the King and Queen! The hockey game was a lot of fun with a full arena. This weekend is family weekend so many students have family visiting. Pictures coming soon!
I cannot believe it is already October 14th. The first round of exams is almost other (stats exam tomorrow) and the fall colors are on their way out, with the first snowflakes already in the air. Winter is just around the corner. I have been taking it one day at a time lately, as there is so much to do and to think about sometimes it can be overwhelming. I certainly thank my family and friends for keeping me sane, or should I just say putting up with my insanity :)
Be sure to enjoy fall, my favorite season, and have a glass of cider, eat a pumpkin bar with homemade cream cheese frosting (or insert your favorite fall dessert), and curl up in front of the fireplace (or make do) with a blanket and a good book!
October is here and the winds are blowing and the snow is falling! The first snow has fallen in Houghton for the 2012/13 season! More on that later....back to the beginning of October....
On Friday(Sept. 28th) I did not end up going to the animal shelter because of bad weather. Instead we hung out and played games.
On Saturday (29th) morning I helped volunteer at the Great Northern Adventure Race (GNAR) which I did last year as well. This year I was helping at the canoe-racking station. I took some pics..take a look! My friends Anna and Michael also volunteered.
After GNAR I went to an open house at the home of the Vice President of Student Affairs, Dr. Les Cook. All Student Life staff was invited and it was a great party with lots of friends. Homemade food and steak cooked on the grill from Les himself!
After the open house was a football game. We had a great come-back in the second half but lost 51-43. It was a fun game and there was A LOT of people there. The school broke one of it's own records; how many people they had at Sherman Field for an event. It was around 4,800 people.
On Sunday I went to church. Afterward some of us went to watch the women's volleyball games. We got free T-shirts too! We also played frisbockey later that afternoon.
Last week was fairly busy. On Tuesday (2nd) Michigan Tech held their career fair. This is where companies come and set up booths in the SDC and students dress up and go around and talk to various companies.
On Wednesday (3rd) I met with my compositions professor to discuss my research. Wed. evening I had my regular meetings.
On Thursday (4th) I had a Soil Science Quiz, which went well. For Forest Ecology Lab we traveled north along the Keweenaw and I got to drive :) We also stopped at a nice beach and ate cookies our professor brought! I also had a great meeting with my boss, Kim.
Friday (5th) the weather decided to do a 180 and it was cold, blustery, and raining. Friday morning I had a World Cultures Exam, which I found out I did well on. Friday afternoon I got the opportunity to help out at the Water Festival at the Great Lakes Research Center, which is right here on campus. Students from all over the western UP came to the Center to learn about water, science, the Great Lakes, and the environment is general. I helped lead a group around for the afternoon, taking them from station to station.
Last Saturday (6th) I gave tours as part of our Open House. Saturday evening was the first Husky hockey game of the season, versus Brock University. We won the game 6-2!
On Sunday (7th) homecoming activities started. A group of us went and painted a window at the SDC in the spirit of homecoming (Go Tech!, etc.) We also played in the homecoming kickball tournament. Sunday evening I had a group meeting with my Forest Ecology Lab group to work on our report.
This week has been pretty busy. On Tuesday I had a review session for my Forest Ecology Class and my professor's wife made us muffins and pumpkin cake. It is seriously the best class!
Wednesday I had my Forest Ecology Exam and Thursday I had my Soil Science Exam. Both went fairly well. I will find out later this week how I did.
On Thursday we got to go to the Porcupine Mountains for Forest Ecology Lab. It was a pretty drive and a great lab. We explored the old-growth hemlock forests. As is custom, our professor brought cookies and soda for the class. We also stopped at Lake of the Clouds for fun. Take a look at my pictures! Thursday night I was up late working on our cardboard boat.
Friday was the culmination of homecoming events. I got my haircut in the mid-afternoon and we transferred our cardboard boat to the park. At 4pm there was a parade, followed by a pep rally. Around 5pm we started the cardboard boat races! Halls build cardboard boats and then we race them out around a buoy and back. Last year's TreeHouse's boat didn't hardly leave shore, so we were aiming for more than a few feet....and we did! Our boat made it out to about the buoy and then, unfortunately, sunk. Commending efforts go to all who worked on and rode in the boat (they got a little cold and wet...). Friday evening I had a meeting in preparation for a presentation I am giving on Tuesday. Friday night WHSA hosted a coffeehouse downstairs, so a few of us went down and listened to some good music.
Yesterday was the homecoming football game and a hockey game. We won both games, football 27-21 and hockey 8-4! The football game was a little rainy, but it was alright. The homecoming court was announced and my friends Logan and Anne were announced as the King and Queen! The hockey game was a lot of fun with a full arena. This weekend is family weekend so many students have family visiting. Pictures coming soon!
I cannot believe it is already October 14th. The first round of exams is almost other (stats exam tomorrow) and the fall colors are on their way out, with the first snowflakes already in the air. Winter is just around the corner. I have been taking it one day at a time lately, as there is so much to do and to think about sometimes it can be overwhelming. I certainly thank my family and friends for keeping me sane, or should I just say putting up with my insanity :)
Be sure to enjoy fall, my favorite season, and have a glass of cider, eat a pumpkin bar with homemade cream cheese frosting (or insert your favorite fall dessert), and curl up in front of the fireplace (or make do) with a blanket and a good book!
Friday, September 28, 2012
The Seasons are Changing...
Time is flying by! It is already the 4th week of a 14 week semester. WOW! I have been here for over a month now and it feels like move-in day was just yesterday. A lot has happened over the past few weeks. I have begun my second year in school, met some AMAZING friends, and have planned and carried out programs for a group of 40 wonderful people (a.k.a. my residents, better known as my friends). We have participated in many things and accomplished a lot already. The academic year is now in full swing, with my first quizzes and tests approaching. The fall colors are appearing and the crisp air has set in. Let's take a look at the last snippet of my fast-moving story...
Last Sunday we had two frisbockey games scheduled, both of which ended in the other teams forfeiting due to not having enough players show up. That was slightly disappointing, but we played for fun anyway. Sunday night I went to church (frisbockey in the morning) and we had Chris Hohnholt from the FRES Dept. come in to talk with residents about jobs in the department and getting involved in research.
This while past week has been rainy, and last no day escaped the wetness. Most days it rained in the morning, and then remained cloudy in the afternoons. This was nice because I have outdoor labs on Monday and Thursday afternoons. The temperature has also significantly changed. It is now generally a high of 55F and a low of around 38F.
On Monday I had a full day of classes and in the evening the FRES Dept. held a "Meet the Dean" event where the new dean of the Forestry Dept. talked to students and faculty about his vision for the Dept. There was pizza and it was an overall good presentation about where the school is headed in the future, including my remaining time here.
Tuesday was pretty boring. I had two evening meetings for reslife. One was to help take a look back on the training process and help on programming. The other was a weekly staff meeting.
Wednesday was an extremely busy day. I went from 8am-10pm, nonstop. Between a lab report, a paper, and WAM/USG meetings, my brain was in high gear. It was fun, near the end of my crazy day, to skype/call home and talk with Mary and Dad :)
Thursday was a fairly relaxing day. I turned in all the things I had been working on before. I also had my individual bi-meeting with my boss, which went well. Thursday evening I had an usher meeting at the church. Later that night a few of us gathered in my room and watched Despicable Me. It was a great evening with great friends.
Friday was quite relaxing, seeing as I had no class. I spend the day working on homework and odds-'n-ends. That afternoon I lead a program for my hall called a mushroom walk. I arranged to meet a professor from the FRES Dept. and have him show us different fungi and different characteristics. which are eatable, and which are poisonous.
This past weekend was also eventful. On Saturday a group of us went to watch the Parade of Nations. It is a parade which celebrates all of the different cultures at Michigan Tech. Afterward their is a festival in the Dee Stadium downtown where there is cultural food for sale. While most of my friends went up to the frisbockey games (which ended up being postponed) and the football game, a few of us went and got food for lunch. We then joined everyone to cheer Tech on in a victory! We ate lunch from Thailand, Mexico, Bangladesh, and India (just to name a few!). On Sunday I went to church and worked on homework.
This week has been fairly typical, if there is such a thing :) I had a quiz in Soil Science and gave a speech in Compositions. I also had a Statistics exam on Thursday. All went fairly well and I am pleased thus far! On Tuesday we had our first all reslife staff meeting. Wednesday I was able to skype home :) On Thursday for Forest Ecology lab we went to Twin Lakes, which was gorgeous! Thursday evening, after my exam, some friends and I walked downtown to the bridge and back. It was nice to let my brain clear after my exam. When we got back we watched Tangled.
Today was fairly relaxing. I had to finish up a Forest Ecology Lab Report from last week and finish a few odds n' ends. Tonight we are going to the animal shelter to walk dogs and pet cats.
This weekend will be fairly busy. Tomorrow I am helping with the Great Northern Adventure Race (GNAR) in the morning. In the afternoon I am attending a BBQ at the Vice President of Student Affairs' (Dr. Les Cook) house. Then in the evening there is a football game where we are trying to break the former record of number of people in our football stadium. We also have two frisbockey games.
The fall colors are spectacular at the moment and will be at peak sometime this week. I am looking forward to sharing all of my recent photos with you all and the ones of the fall colors! Have a wonderful weekend!
Love and Peace, Kyle
Last Sunday we had two frisbockey games scheduled, both of which ended in the other teams forfeiting due to not having enough players show up. That was slightly disappointing, but we played for fun anyway. Sunday night I went to church (frisbockey in the morning) and we had Chris Hohnholt from the FRES Dept. come in to talk with residents about jobs in the department and getting involved in research.
This while past week has been rainy, and last no day escaped the wetness. Most days it rained in the morning, and then remained cloudy in the afternoons. This was nice because I have outdoor labs on Monday and Thursday afternoons. The temperature has also significantly changed. It is now generally a high of 55F and a low of around 38F.
On Monday I had a full day of classes and in the evening the FRES Dept. held a "Meet the Dean" event where the new dean of the Forestry Dept. talked to students and faculty about his vision for the Dept. There was pizza and it was an overall good presentation about where the school is headed in the future, including my remaining time here.
Tuesday was pretty boring. I had two evening meetings for reslife. One was to help take a look back on the training process and help on programming. The other was a weekly staff meeting.
Wednesday was an extremely busy day. I went from 8am-10pm, nonstop. Between a lab report, a paper, and WAM/USG meetings, my brain was in high gear. It was fun, near the end of my crazy day, to skype/call home and talk with Mary and Dad :)
Thursday was a fairly relaxing day. I turned in all the things I had been working on before. I also had my individual bi-meeting with my boss, which went well. Thursday evening I had an usher meeting at the church. Later that night a few of us gathered in my room and watched Despicable Me. It was a great evening with great friends.
Friday was quite relaxing, seeing as I had no class. I spend the day working on homework and odds-'n-ends. That afternoon I lead a program for my hall called a mushroom walk. I arranged to meet a professor from the FRES Dept. and have him show us different fungi and different characteristics. which are eatable, and which are poisonous.
This past weekend was also eventful. On Saturday a group of us went to watch the Parade of Nations. It is a parade which celebrates all of the different cultures at Michigan Tech. Afterward their is a festival in the Dee Stadium downtown where there is cultural food for sale. While most of my friends went up to the frisbockey games (which ended up being postponed) and the football game, a few of us went and got food for lunch. We then joined everyone to cheer Tech on in a victory! We ate lunch from Thailand, Mexico, Bangladesh, and India (just to name a few!). On Sunday I went to church and worked on homework.
This week has been fairly typical, if there is such a thing :) I had a quiz in Soil Science and gave a speech in Compositions. I also had a Statistics exam on Thursday. All went fairly well and I am pleased thus far! On Tuesday we had our first all reslife staff meeting. Wednesday I was able to skype home :) On Thursday for Forest Ecology lab we went to Twin Lakes, which was gorgeous! Thursday evening, after my exam, some friends and I walked downtown to the bridge and back. It was nice to let my brain clear after my exam. When we got back we watched Tangled.
Today was fairly relaxing. I had to finish up a Forest Ecology Lab Report from last week and finish a few odds n' ends. Tonight we are going to the animal shelter to walk dogs and pet cats.
This weekend will be fairly busy. Tomorrow I am helping with the Great Northern Adventure Race (GNAR) in the morning. In the afternoon I am attending a BBQ at the Vice President of Student Affairs' (Dr. Les Cook) house. Then in the evening there is a football game where we are trying to break the former record of number of people in our football stadium. We also have two frisbockey games.
The fall colors are spectacular at the moment and will be at peak sometime this week. I am looking forward to sharing all of my recent photos with you all and the ones of the fall colors! Have a wonderful weekend!
Love and Peace, Kyle
Saturday, September 15, 2012
Let the Good Times Roll!
Hello Family, Friends, and who ever else finds themselves reading my blog!
Welcome to Kyle's blog! For those of you who are new readers, this blog is a weekly (ish) posting of my doings and whatever that entails. Photos are in the link on the left and then categorized and sorted.
So, where did I leave off? Last Thursday we were just finishing the first week of classes. The first week went well. I changed up a few things, but have since gotten things straightened out.
Last Friday was a half-day. In the afternoon it was K-Day (Keweenaw Day). We all went out to McLain State Park to enjoy free food, visit tables of all the student organizations, and enjoy a day on the beach. We had wonderful weather to be at the beach and enjoyed the photo booth, swimming, and frisbee (among the more unusual, such as fencing!).
On Saturday we went to the football game on Sherman Field. We won 51-15! Lots of fun memories were made at this event :) Saturday evening we ordered pizza from dominoes because it was 50% off! (because of the football game).
On Sunday I went to church, we had house meeting, and we made laundry magnets after our meeting.
On Monday I had my full set of Monday classes, including my Soils Science Lab. We traveled south throughout the Keweenaw looking at different soil types and variations. Again, it is always nice to get off campus and explore, especially in such beautiful weather. Monday evening we went to the womens' soccer game at Sherman Field. They played our arch-rival, Northern Michigan University. We won 2-0! I know a few players on our team, so it was certainly fun to cheer them on. Also, a girl from my high school was there playing on Northern's team and another friend from high school was in the stands cheering. It was kinda fun to see them right here in Houghton. Many more fun memories occurred at this sporting event :)
On Tuesday we remembered the attacks on the Twin Towers, Pentagon, and the crash the occurred in PA. The 11th anniversary still conjures up many memories for everyone. I, too, will never forget that day in 3rd grade....Prayers will continue to go out to the victims and their family and friends as the anniversary is marked, year after year.
On Wednesday I had a full day of things to do. Preparing for the camping trip was heavily down on Wed. Wednesday evening I had my WAM and USG meetings. Wednesday night we had a practice fire drill. I got to put on my bright vest and use my light up baton :) Also Wed. evening, Jen arrived in Houghton! Jen was the RA of TreeHouse last year and is the fiance of my friend Dave. Jen came up to visit Dave (and see the rest of us, of course :)
On Thursday I was booked from 8am-10pm. I had many classes, a lab, and a few meetings. I had an Honors Institute Mtg. and a Frisbockey Meeting. We also had our first house movie night.
On Friday I had class from 8-10am and then I had the rest of the day to prepare for the camping trip. I paid the remainder of my student bill, dealt with the community recycling, went to Walmart to return refundable cans and buy food for the camp-out, and went to OAP to pick up all of the rented tents and sleeping bags (which there were a LOT of!). We were ready just in time and gathered at 5:30pm. We collected money, gathered all of our things, and packed up!
We took 6 cars and 26 people camping at Agate Beach, in Stanton Township, MI. We got there around 6:30pm and started a fire. Dinner was hot dogs over the fire and chips. We played frisbee, walked the beach, and witnessed a BEAUTIFUL sunset (see pics!). I really enjoyed bonding we my residents/friends :) We had s'mores for dessert. Some of us roasted potatoes, apples, and candy bars (butterfingers, crunch, etc.). We had lots of fun singing songs and telling stories. The camping trip as a whole was a wonderful bonding experience for everyone. We stayed up and star-gazed, which, in case you were wondering, is beautiful on a clear, dark night on Lake Superior.
This morning we all woke up at our own pace. We boiled water and had oatmeal and fruit. We enjoyed a small fire and packed up. We took our time and came back to campus around 11:30am. This afternoon we returned all the rented gear to OAP and I aired out my sleeping bag, tent, and blanket. I finished a little homework and then we went to eat dinner before our first frisbockey game. Frisbockey, for those who don't know, is a mix of Ultimate frisbee and and hockey (hence the name). You play Ultimate, with some variations, and then you have to get the frisbee in a net, like hockey. We played Excello this evening and lost 3-1. We tried hard and have two games tomorrow. As TreeHouse is known for, we take a fun and friendly approach to all competition and always act with good sportsmanship :)
Now I am here, uploading photos and writing this blog. I have more homework to do and paperwork to fill out. Tomorrow we have two frisbockey games, I am going to church, and I have homework to finish.
All and all the past week as been an amazing time getting to know new people and more about the ones I thought I knew before. I am excited for TreeHouse and the upcoming year and for classes. The camping trip (as camping normally does) cleared my mind, and has allowed me to re-enter campus with an open mind and willing attitude. The year ahead won't be easy, I know, but we must remember that oaks grow strong in contrary winds and that diamonds form under pressure.
Welcome to Kyle's blog! For those of you who are new readers, this blog is a weekly (ish) posting of my doings and whatever that entails. Photos are in the link on the left and then categorized and sorted.
So, where did I leave off? Last Thursday we were just finishing the first week of classes. The first week went well. I changed up a few things, but have since gotten things straightened out.
Last Friday was a half-day. In the afternoon it was K-Day (Keweenaw Day). We all went out to McLain State Park to enjoy free food, visit tables of all the student organizations, and enjoy a day on the beach. We had wonderful weather to be at the beach and enjoyed the photo booth, swimming, and frisbee (among the more unusual, such as fencing!).
On Saturday we went to the football game on Sherman Field. We won 51-15! Lots of fun memories were made at this event :) Saturday evening we ordered pizza from dominoes because it was 50% off! (because of the football game).
On Sunday I went to church, we had house meeting, and we made laundry magnets after our meeting.
On Monday I had my full set of Monday classes, including my Soils Science Lab. We traveled south throughout the Keweenaw looking at different soil types and variations. Again, it is always nice to get off campus and explore, especially in such beautiful weather. Monday evening we went to the womens' soccer game at Sherman Field. They played our arch-rival, Northern Michigan University. We won 2-0! I know a few players on our team, so it was certainly fun to cheer them on. Also, a girl from my high school was there playing on Northern's team and another friend from high school was in the stands cheering. It was kinda fun to see them right here in Houghton. Many more fun memories occurred at this sporting event :)
On Tuesday we remembered the attacks on the Twin Towers, Pentagon, and the crash the occurred in PA. The 11th anniversary still conjures up many memories for everyone. I, too, will never forget that day in 3rd grade....Prayers will continue to go out to the victims and their family and friends as the anniversary is marked, year after year.
On Wednesday I had a full day of things to do. Preparing for the camping trip was heavily down on Wed. Wednesday evening I had my WAM and USG meetings. Wednesday night we had a practice fire drill. I got to put on my bright vest and use my light up baton :) Also Wed. evening, Jen arrived in Houghton! Jen was the RA of TreeHouse last year and is the fiance of my friend Dave. Jen came up to visit Dave (and see the rest of us, of course :)
On Thursday I was booked from 8am-10pm. I had many classes, a lab, and a few meetings. I had an Honors Institute Mtg. and a Frisbockey Meeting. We also had our first house movie night.
On Friday I had class from 8-10am and then I had the rest of the day to prepare for the camping trip. I paid the remainder of my student bill, dealt with the community recycling, went to Walmart to return refundable cans and buy food for the camp-out, and went to OAP to pick up all of the rented tents and sleeping bags (which there were a LOT of!). We were ready just in time and gathered at 5:30pm. We collected money, gathered all of our things, and packed up!
We took 6 cars and 26 people camping at Agate Beach, in Stanton Township, MI. We got there around 6:30pm and started a fire. Dinner was hot dogs over the fire and chips. We played frisbee, walked the beach, and witnessed a BEAUTIFUL sunset (see pics!). I really enjoyed bonding we my residents/friends :) We had s'mores for dessert. Some of us roasted potatoes, apples, and candy bars (butterfingers, crunch, etc.). We had lots of fun singing songs and telling stories. The camping trip as a whole was a wonderful bonding experience for everyone. We stayed up and star-gazed, which, in case you were wondering, is beautiful on a clear, dark night on Lake Superior.
This morning we all woke up at our own pace. We boiled water and had oatmeal and fruit. We enjoyed a small fire and packed up. We took our time and came back to campus around 11:30am. This afternoon we returned all the rented gear to OAP and I aired out my sleeping bag, tent, and blanket. I finished a little homework and then we went to eat dinner before our first frisbockey game. Frisbockey, for those who don't know, is a mix of Ultimate frisbee and and hockey (hence the name). You play Ultimate, with some variations, and then you have to get the frisbee in a net, like hockey. We played Excello this evening and lost 3-1. We tried hard and have two games tomorrow. As TreeHouse is known for, we take a fun and friendly approach to all competition and always act with good sportsmanship :)
Now I am here, uploading photos and writing this blog. I have more homework to do and paperwork to fill out. Tomorrow we have two frisbockey games, I am going to church, and I have homework to finish.
All and all the past week as been an amazing time getting to know new people and more about the ones I thought I knew before. I am excited for TreeHouse and the upcoming year and for classes. The camping trip (as camping normally does) cleared my mind, and has allowed me to re-enter campus with an open mind and willing attitude. The year ahead won't be easy, I know, but we must remember that oaks grow strong in contrary winds and that diamonds form under pressure.
Thursday, September 6, 2012
3...2...1...GO!
The school year is upon us! September came out of nowhere and the school work started flowing. Before we get too far, let's take a few steps backwards in time.....
Last Friday I saw the illusionist, Craig Karges. I saw his performance last year as well and continue to be amazed. He was even able to pick up on the fact that my friend Anna was thinking of sheep...how weird!
On Saturday I walked downtown with many of my residents and participated in An Afternoon on the Town. We saw the different shops and stores of the Houghton area and got a few free things in the process :) It was a warm day, but spent with friends, it was bearable. Saturday evening a group of us went up to the football field, where Student Activities was showing the movie "Escanaba in the Moonlight." It was hilariously stupid :)
On Sunday a few of us went to church. After church we decided to go to the beach. We had planned on going up to Eagle Harbor area and Great Sand Bay, but that idea was tossed when we got to the car and it had a flat tire :( So, we put on the spare and we only went a short ways, to McLain State Park. We had a fabulous day playing on the beach. It was a wonderful way to relax before the school year started. See the pics! On Sunday evening we had our 2nd house meeting. We discussed rules and etiquette for living in close quarters.
Monday was labor day and the school held the annual schoolyard olympics. Houses compete in events such as sidewalk chalk drawings, tug-of-war, egg balance race, and water balloon toss, among others. We had fun playing outside for the majority of the day and bonding as a hall. Pictures coming soon! On Monday evening we had a baking program for TreeHouse. We made banana bread, bread pudding, and apple crisp. We also had a few residents make dishes of their own. It was great to have over 30 people participate (out of ~40). We all had a great time learning, teaching, and eating :)
Then, Tuesday arrived, as if it were Christmas morning. It was accompanied with one of those feelings where you aren't really sure it is happening until it hits you square in the face. It didn't really feel all that different than the past two weeks here, except now I had to go to class. Yikes! I almost forgot the whole reason I was here in the first place! After a wonderful wake-up call (reminding me that classes were starting), I have been doing well.
My classes this semester are as follows: World Cultures, Compositions, Forest Ecology (+ lab), Soil Science (+ lab), and Statistics. These total 18 credits.
All week there have been things going on for Welcome week, such as free binders, ice cream, and plants :)
On Tuesday I had my weekly staff meeting for HRL (Housing and Residential Life). On Wednesday I resumed having my WAM (Ways and Means Committee) and USG (Undergraduate Student Government) meetings.
Today I had my first lab for Forest Ecology. It felt nice to get out again and refresh on what we learned last year. I believe I am most excited for Forest Ecology, out of all my classes.
Just as this is a busy time of the year for me, I am sure it is for all of you too. Wishing you all the best on this beautiful September day!
In love and friendship, Kyle
Monday was labor day and the school held the annual schoolyard olympics. Houses compete in events such as sidewalk chalk drawings, tug-of-war, egg balance race, and water balloon toss, among others. We had fun playing outside for the majority of the day and bonding as a hall. Pictures coming soon! On Monday evening we had a baking program for TreeHouse. We made banana bread, bread pudding, and apple crisp. We also had a few residents make dishes of their own. It was great to have over 30 people participate (out of ~40). We all had a great time learning, teaching, and eating :)
Then, Tuesday arrived, as if it were Christmas morning. It was accompanied with one of those feelings where you aren't really sure it is happening until it hits you square in the face. It didn't really feel all that different than the past two weeks here, except now I had to go to class. Yikes! I almost forgot the whole reason I was here in the first place! After a wonderful wake-up call (reminding me that classes were starting), I have been doing well.
My classes this semester are as follows: World Cultures, Compositions, Forest Ecology (+ lab), Soil Science (+ lab), and Statistics. These total 18 credits.
All week there have been things going on for Welcome week, such as free binders, ice cream, and plants :)
On Tuesday I had my weekly staff meeting for HRL (Housing and Residential Life). On Wednesday I resumed having my WAM (Ways and Means Committee) and USG (Undergraduate Student Government) meetings.
Today I had my first lab for Forest Ecology. It felt nice to get out again and refresh on what we learned last year. I believe I am most excited for Forest Ecology, out of all my classes.
Just as this is a busy time of the year for me, I am sure it is for all of you too. Wishing you all the best on this beautiful September day!
In love and friendship, Kyle
Friday, August 31, 2012
Back in the Groove!
Hello Everyone!
Well, the activities are in full swing and the campus is once again bustling with activity! Last Saturday and Sunday I helped move students into the residence halls. I carried boxes upon boxes, refrigerators and microwaves out the wazoo, and flat screen TV's like you'd never believe. It was fun to be one of the first faces the families and students encountered on campus. My friend Joe, whom I know from Grey Wolf, is now a student here at Michigan Tech. His parents treated me to dinner Saturday night :) On Sunday I continued with move-in. Sunday night was the Family Picnic. We all had a great time mingling with the new students and their families. After the picnic was the University Welcome. This is where the president and vice-president of the university speak to the new students and is known to be the kick-off to Orientation week, or O-week. After the kickoff and first-year photo we had our first house meeting. This is where we welcome everyone to the hall and go over some ground rules. After the house meeting the dining hall served free ice cream :) Yum!
On Monday I finally got to sleep in..hooray! I had a few more training sessions in the afternoon and then some evening activities. I also paid my fall semester bill, so now I am officially at Tech for another year! (not that there was any doubt :) Monday night we played ultimate frisbee on the football field, which was quite fun! It was one of our first house bonding moments :)
On Tuesday I had a few more sessions. Tuesday afternoon I heard the author of the book Little Princes speak. Then I helped lead a book discussion with some first-year students. Then, Tuesday evening I heard the speaker live (earlier I heard him via video streaming) and then got my book signed and my picture with him. After that I went out and shared in the 500 foot banana split that the orientation team sponsored. Following the banana split I got got all spiffy and worked an event we call Vegas Night. It is where students come and play Vegas-like games and receive fake money for their earnings. Then they turn the fake money into tickets and the tickets go into a drawing for prizes. There is also a dance, food, and great friends!
On Wednesday I had the whole day to myself, which was wonderful. I went and bought a few books and took a trip to Walmart for a few things. Wednesday was also my parents' 25th wedding anniversary. Congratulations to them as they celebrate the last 25 years and many more!
On Thursday I had one more training session and then my very last session all together, which was a first aid refresher course. I got to be the victim in a head injury :) Pics coming soon! Thursday evening I went to the Global Social, which a dance and event for international students and domestic students alike to meet, greet, and socialize. After the Global Social we went and watched the chemistry demo out on the lawn, where they exploded balloons and lit gummy bears on fire! Following the demo I went to the McNair Dance in the McNair courtyard. The dance was a lot of fun with many great friends :)
Whew! Just to think that this blog only encapsulates a portion of what I did this week. Today I bought a few more books, did laundry, and relaxed. Tonight I am going to go see an illusionist and tomorrow I am walking downtown with the first-years to tour Houghton. Exciting stuff is in the works and school is just around the corner!
Hope all is well and I hope to hear from you all soon!!
Well, the activities are in full swing and the campus is once again bustling with activity! Last Saturday and Sunday I helped move students into the residence halls. I carried boxes upon boxes, refrigerators and microwaves out the wazoo, and flat screen TV's like you'd never believe. It was fun to be one of the first faces the families and students encountered on campus. My friend Joe, whom I know from Grey Wolf, is now a student here at Michigan Tech. His parents treated me to dinner Saturday night :) On Sunday I continued with move-in. Sunday night was the Family Picnic. We all had a great time mingling with the new students and their families. After the picnic was the University Welcome. This is where the president and vice-president of the university speak to the new students and is known to be the kick-off to Orientation week, or O-week. After the kickoff and first-year photo we had our first house meeting. This is where we welcome everyone to the hall and go over some ground rules. After the house meeting the dining hall served free ice cream :) Yum!
On Monday I finally got to sleep in..hooray! I had a few more training sessions in the afternoon and then some evening activities. I also paid my fall semester bill, so now I am officially at Tech for another year! (not that there was any doubt :) Monday night we played ultimate frisbee on the football field, which was quite fun! It was one of our first house bonding moments :)
On Tuesday I had a few more sessions. Tuesday afternoon I heard the author of the book Little Princes speak. Then I helped lead a book discussion with some first-year students. Then, Tuesday evening I heard the speaker live (earlier I heard him via video streaming) and then got my book signed and my picture with him. After that I went out and shared in the 500 foot banana split that the orientation team sponsored. Following the banana split I got got all spiffy and worked an event we call Vegas Night. It is where students come and play Vegas-like games and receive fake money for their earnings. Then they turn the fake money into tickets and the tickets go into a drawing for prizes. There is also a dance, food, and great friends!
On Wednesday I had the whole day to myself, which was wonderful. I went and bought a few books and took a trip to Walmart for a few things. Wednesday was also my parents' 25th wedding anniversary. Congratulations to them as they celebrate the last 25 years and many more!
On Thursday I had one more training session and then my very last session all together, which was a first aid refresher course. I got to be the victim in a head injury :) Pics coming soon! Thursday evening I went to the Global Social, which a dance and event for international students and domestic students alike to meet, greet, and socialize. After the Global Social we went and watched the chemistry demo out on the lawn, where they exploded balloons and lit gummy bears on fire! Following the demo I went to the McNair Dance in the McNair courtyard. The dance was a lot of fun with many great friends :)
Whew! Just to think that this blog only encapsulates a portion of what I did this week. Today I bought a few more books, did laundry, and relaxed. Tonight I am going to go see an illusionist and tomorrow I am walking downtown with the first-years to tour Houghton. Exciting stuff is in the works and school is just around the corner!
Hope all is well and I hope to hear from you all soon!!
Friday, August 24, 2012
I'm Alive!
Hello Everyone!!
In case you were wondering, I'm alive! Yes, I survived the last few days at camp helping to pack up the camp and close it down. It was sad to see such a great summer come to a close, but it was time to move on. I traveled home on Wednesday and was home in the late evening. I spend Thursday getting things I needed (such as a haircut). Thursday evening I got to see many of you for dinner :) Thank you all for coming over. It meant a lot to see you in the very short time I was home. And then, before you knew it, Mom, Dad, and I were out the door headed to da UP for school. We moved my stuff in Friday evening and got my room all set up (look for pics soon!). On Saturday I started training for my PA (Program Assistant) job with Housing and Residential Life. I have been in training all week, learning ALL about the different parts of my job and helping residents. Tuesday was my birthday :) Thank you all for birthday wishes! I didn't have the greatest birthday (seeing as I was stuck in the same lecture hall for hours on end), but I did get a cake from some friends and that made things SO much better :) The rest of the week was more training. I have been doing a lot of things to get ready for residents to move in on Saturday and Sunday. I have JUST got to a point of completion (somewhat) and had a moment to write my blog. I will certainly put up some new photos soon (though there are not many). Know that I have been getting up and been in training from 8am to 10pm everyday, and then I still have things I am expected to do so I have to do those things after 10pm. This is why I haven't really been blogging lately :(
I am enjoying the job thus far and am certainly looking forward to a good year! I am feeling pretty official now with a staff polo and name tag :) Tomorrow is a more relaxed day to get everything in tip top shape and then we hit the ground running Saturday morning! I will be VERY busy over the weekend, moving students into the hall. Then, next week is Orientation week and I will still have things to do, but I won't be as busy. I hope to call/skype many of you soon! Know that I am not ignoring you, I am just not given time to contact you!!
Wishing you all the best as the new school year kicks into high gear for many and fall is just around the corner!
Love and friendship, Kyle
In case you were wondering, I'm alive! Yes, I survived the last few days at camp helping to pack up the camp and close it down. It was sad to see such a great summer come to a close, but it was time to move on. I traveled home on Wednesday and was home in the late evening. I spend Thursday getting things I needed (such as a haircut). Thursday evening I got to see many of you for dinner :) Thank you all for coming over. It meant a lot to see you in the very short time I was home. And then, before you knew it, Mom, Dad, and I were out the door headed to da UP for school. We moved my stuff in Friday evening and got my room all set up (look for pics soon!). On Saturday I started training for my PA (Program Assistant) job with Housing and Residential Life. I have been in training all week, learning ALL about the different parts of my job and helping residents. Tuesday was my birthday :) Thank you all for birthday wishes! I didn't have the greatest birthday (seeing as I was stuck in the same lecture hall for hours on end), but I did get a cake from some friends and that made things SO much better :) The rest of the week was more training. I have been doing a lot of things to get ready for residents to move in on Saturday and Sunday. I have JUST got to a point of completion (somewhat) and had a moment to write my blog. I will certainly put up some new photos soon (though there are not many). Know that I have been getting up and been in training from 8am to 10pm everyday, and then I still have things I am expected to do so I have to do those things after 10pm. This is why I haven't really been blogging lately :(
I am enjoying the job thus far and am certainly looking forward to a good year! I am feeling pretty official now with a staff polo and name tag :) Tomorrow is a more relaxed day to get everything in tip top shape and then we hit the ground running Saturday morning! I will be VERY busy over the weekend, moving students into the hall. Then, next week is Orientation week and I will still have things to do, but I won't be as busy. I hope to call/skype many of you soon! Know that I am not ignoring you, I am just not given time to contact you!!
Wishing you all the best as the new school year kicks into high gear for many and fall is just around the corner!
Love and friendship, Kyle
Monday, July 30, 2012
17 More Days...
Hello Everyone!
My summer is chugging right along! I can't believe it is already the end of July. I only have 17 more days here at Northern Tier for the summer. The time has definitely flown by.
I don't have a whole lot to report as fun or interesting news. The weather has finally cooled down a bit. It is now in the 70's and fairly nice. It has been very humid lately.
Notes from the past two weeks:
- The past two weeks have been the peak of our season here in Atikokan. We have had a lot of crews come through our program, which is great to see. We are now on the down swing. The last of our crews come on the 5th of Aug. and then the last crews come off water on the 12th.
- Happy belated birthday to my Great Aunt LaVerne and my sister, Kayla! Also, happy birthday to my Aunt Nicole and my cousin and Godchild, Ruthie!
- The Olympics have begun! Unfortunately I will only catch bits and pieces, seeing as we do not have a TV here. USA, make us proud!
I will be headed home on the 15th of August. On Thursday the 16th I will be at home unpacking and repacking. Then, early Friday morning I am off again, this time to school for the fall. I like to keep myself busy, as you all know :)
I have been thinking of you all and can't wait to see some of you in my short time home. I will try to see as many of you as I can!
Wishing you all a wonderful day! - Kyle
My summer is chugging right along! I can't believe it is already the end of July. I only have 17 more days here at Northern Tier for the summer. The time has definitely flown by.
I don't have a whole lot to report as fun or interesting news. The weather has finally cooled down a bit. It is now in the 70's and fairly nice. It has been very humid lately.
Notes from the past two weeks:
- The past two weeks have been the peak of our season here in Atikokan. We have had a lot of crews come through our program, which is great to see. We are now on the down swing. The last of our crews come on the 5th of Aug. and then the last crews come off water on the 12th.
- Happy belated birthday to my Great Aunt LaVerne and my sister, Kayla! Also, happy birthday to my Aunt Nicole and my cousin and Godchild, Ruthie!
- The Olympics have begun! Unfortunately I will only catch bits and pieces, seeing as we do not have a TV here. USA, make us proud!
I will be headed home on the 15th of August. On Thursday the 16th I will be at home unpacking and repacking. Then, early Friday morning I am off again, this time to school for the fall. I like to keep myself busy, as you all know :)
I have been thinking of you all and can't wait to see some of you in my short time home. I will try to see as many of you as I can!
Wishing you all a wonderful day! - Kyle
Sunday, July 15, 2012
Mid-Summer and Steady
Hello Everyone!
Things have been pretty steady in my world, hence no blogs recently. But, things have still been busy. I have worked a lot recently in order to keep up with all the crews we have coming to the camp and have been busy providing the best customer service I can! The only real talk of the week for me was my Peanut Butter Cup Cookie Ice Cream Pie. I went to town on Friday and bought all the ingredients I needed and made my pie. I have enjoyed sharing my work-of-art with my friends :)
A few points of interest.....
Last night I saw the best northern lights display you could possibly imagine! I know, I know, I still have photos to put up from our trip to Thunder Bay, but I will get those, as well as the pictures of the northern lights, up as soon as possible.
Another cool thing is that the the General Manager of Northern Tier, Kevin Dowling, visited our base today and my boss and I would both awarded the General Manager's Award of Excellence for our work in straightening up the Trading Post and having a good month in June. I was pleasantly surprised and humbled that he would notice our work.
Again, nothing of much interest up here in Atikokan. I am having a good time with friends and enjoying my summer. Please pray for safe travels and a good time for Kayla, Rachel, and Mom and Dad as they travel to Arkansas for Habitat For Humanity.
Love from the north, Kyle
Things have been pretty steady in my world, hence no blogs recently. But, things have still been busy. I have worked a lot recently in order to keep up with all the crews we have coming to the camp and have been busy providing the best customer service I can! The only real talk of the week for me was my Peanut Butter Cup Cookie Ice Cream Pie. I went to town on Friday and bought all the ingredients I needed and made my pie. I have enjoyed sharing my work-of-art with my friends :)
A few points of interest.....
Last night I saw the best northern lights display you could possibly imagine! I know, I know, I still have photos to put up from our trip to Thunder Bay, but I will get those, as well as the pictures of the northern lights, up as soon as possible.
Another cool thing is that the the General Manager of Northern Tier, Kevin Dowling, visited our base today and my boss and I would both awarded the General Manager's Award of Excellence for our work in straightening up the Trading Post and having a good month in June. I was pleasantly surprised and humbled that he would notice our work.
Again, nothing of much interest up here in Atikokan. I am having a good time with friends and enjoying my summer. Please pray for safe travels and a good time for Kayla, Rachel, and Mom and Dad as they travel to Arkansas for Habitat For Humanity.
Love from the north, Kyle
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Events in My Life
Hello Everyone -
I know it has been quite some time since I last blogged, but fear not, I am doing well.
Work is going well. I am loving my job at Northern Tier and don't have much to complain about. After working with only a few days off, this past weekend I took Saturday, Sunday, and most of Monday off. During this time my family came to visit! They got to see where I work, play, eat, and sleep.
On Saturday we camped at Sleeping Giant Provincial Park, just outside of Thunder Bay Ontario. It was a very cool park and the view of the sunset was amazing! See my photos soon!
Sunday was Canada Day, Canada's equivalent to the fourth of July, We spent the day in Thunder Bay. We went to church, watched a parade, and listened to live music. We also toured Fort Williams,a large fort in Thunder Bay. Sunday night we went to Kakabeka Falls, which is a huge waterfall just outside of Thunder Bay. It is called the Niagara of the North. We camped right next to the falls and could hear it roaring all night.
On Monday morning we went to Grand Portage, MN. We saw a few waterfalls, visited the Heritage Museum, and even caught a glimpse of Isle Royale, which is visible from the MN shoreline on a clear day. Then, Monday afternoon we drove back to Atikokan. I had a wonderful break and my time away from camp was well spent.
In other news, I learned of a sad situation when I got back on Monday. A friend and classmate of mine from Hill-Murray, Adam Gott, was killed in a dirt bike accident. He was nineteen and attended St. John's University. He had a lot going for him and it is definitely hard to hear that he is gone. Please pray for the Gott family during this difficult time, and for all of us who knew Adam as we heal from this loss.
In other sad news, today marks one year after the passing of my Grandpa Yarusso. He will always be remembered as a kind, loving man and a true handyman. May Adam and Grandpa watch over us all.
On a happier note, happy 88th birthday to my Great Grandpa LeRoux, happy birthday to my cousin Jodi, AND, happy fourth of July! May God bless us all with love and bless America, my home sweet home.
Love always, Kyle
I know it has been quite some time since I last blogged, but fear not, I am doing well.
Work is going well. I am loving my job at Northern Tier and don't have much to complain about. After working with only a few days off, this past weekend I took Saturday, Sunday, and most of Monday off. During this time my family came to visit! They got to see where I work, play, eat, and sleep.
On Saturday we camped at Sleeping Giant Provincial Park, just outside of Thunder Bay Ontario. It was a very cool park and the view of the sunset was amazing! See my photos soon!
Sunday was Canada Day, Canada's equivalent to the fourth of July, We spent the day in Thunder Bay. We went to church, watched a parade, and listened to live music. We also toured Fort Williams,a large fort in Thunder Bay. Sunday night we went to Kakabeka Falls, which is a huge waterfall just outside of Thunder Bay. It is called the Niagara of the North. We camped right next to the falls and could hear it roaring all night.
On Monday morning we went to Grand Portage, MN. We saw a few waterfalls, visited the Heritage Museum, and even caught a glimpse of Isle Royale, which is visible from the MN shoreline on a clear day. Then, Monday afternoon we drove back to Atikokan. I had a wonderful break and my time away from camp was well spent.
In other news, I learned of a sad situation when I got back on Monday. A friend and classmate of mine from Hill-Murray, Adam Gott, was killed in a dirt bike accident. He was nineteen and attended St. John's University. He had a lot going for him and it is definitely hard to hear that he is gone. Please pray for the Gott family during this difficult time, and for all of us who knew Adam as we heal from this loss.
In other sad news, today marks one year after the passing of my Grandpa Yarusso. He will always be remembered as a kind, loving man and a true handyman. May Adam and Grandpa watch over us all.
On a happier note, happy 88th birthday to my Great Grandpa LeRoux, happy birthday to my cousin Jodi, AND, happy fourth of July! May God bless us all with love and bless America, my home sweet home.
Love always, Kyle
Friday, June 22, 2012
Adventures in the North
Hello Everyone!
I know it has been a while since I last blogged, meaning there is much to tell you about. Let's go all the way back to last week.
Last Tuesday we returned to Atikokan to open the season. I had a great car trip and it was good to feel like the summer was finally getting started.
On Wednesday the camp director, knowing of my enthusiasm for organizing, asked me to take on the project of reorganizing our office on base. I gladly agreed and spent all day Thursday rearranging the office. I would say the place is looking pretty good now. The photos on the blog or the office before. I will post the new-and-improved office look soon.
We lost power last week for an afternoon, though I don't recall the exact day. The outage caused lots of interesting scenarios to play out. Fortunately the power came back before anything bad happened.
On Sunday it was Fathers' Day...shout out to the one and only John Yarusso. Thanks for everything you have done for me over the many years!
On Sunday my family hosted a party for my Grandma Yarusso to celebrate her double-golden birthday, her 77th birthday. Happy Birthday Grandma! Sunday was also my Grandpa Widenstrom's birthday, so a happy birthday to him as well!!
On Monday I went into town with a few friends for lunch. We ate at the Outdoorsman. It was great food. We also bummed around the small town, going to the grocery store, the bargain shop, and the few other stores there are.
On Wednesday my interior design skills were put to use again as I redesigned and organized our staff lounge. Again, I will post pics of the new staff lounge layout. I'm really happy with the new arrangement. AND, now with the addition of internet to our staff lounge, the place is hip-hop-happening. I'm glad people are now utilizing the space.
Yesterday I went on a road trip to Kenora, Ontario. We had more people come up to Atikokan on Wednesday and some of them were headed to our third location in Bissett, Manitoba. So, yesterday I accompanied the driver, Kristian, and the people headed to Bissett in the 5.5 hour drive (one-way). I went along so that Kristian didn't have to drive back all alone. We also went to pick up a few things at the Wal-mart in Kenora. We had a great road trip and on the way back we stopped at a few small towns and overlooks. It was a gorgeous day and I had a great time exploring more of Canada. Look for photos soon!
In other randomness:
- I saw a bobcat on the way back from town the other day. I only saw it for a split second as it crossed the road, but it was still pretty cool.
- We have a local that works as a shuttle driver for us and he hunts bears and his going to bring the camp a bear head for our dining hall wall tomorrow. Pretty neat!
There is so much to remember to tell you all and I know that I am forgetting a bunch :( I think I got all the highlights, though I may remember and write about more later. Know that I am enjoying my time in Canada and I am making lots of friends. I think of you all often and hope your summer months are splendid as well.
From the North, Kyle
I know it has been a while since I last blogged, meaning there is much to tell you about. Let's go all the way back to last week.
Last Tuesday we returned to Atikokan to open the season. I had a great car trip and it was good to feel like the summer was finally getting started.
On Wednesday the camp director, knowing of my enthusiasm for organizing, asked me to take on the project of reorganizing our office on base. I gladly agreed and spent all day Thursday rearranging the office. I would say the place is looking pretty good now. The photos on the blog or the office before. I will post the new-and-improved office look soon.
We lost power last week for an afternoon, though I don't recall the exact day. The outage caused lots of interesting scenarios to play out. Fortunately the power came back before anything bad happened.
On Sunday it was Fathers' Day...shout out to the one and only John Yarusso. Thanks for everything you have done for me over the many years!
On Sunday my family hosted a party for my Grandma Yarusso to celebrate her double-golden birthday, her 77th birthday. Happy Birthday Grandma! Sunday was also my Grandpa Widenstrom's birthday, so a happy birthday to him as well!!
On Monday I went into town with a few friends for lunch. We ate at the Outdoorsman. It was great food. We also bummed around the small town, going to the grocery store, the bargain shop, and the few other stores there are.
On Wednesday my interior design skills were put to use again as I redesigned and organized our staff lounge. Again, I will post pics of the new staff lounge layout. I'm really happy with the new arrangement. AND, now with the addition of internet to our staff lounge, the place is hip-hop-happening. I'm glad people are now utilizing the space.
Yesterday I went on a road trip to Kenora, Ontario. We had more people come up to Atikokan on Wednesday and some of them were headed to our third location in Bissett, Manitoba. So, yesterday I accompanied the driver, Kristian, and the people headed to Bissett in the 5.5 hour drive (one-way). I went along so that Kristian didn't have to drive back all alone. We also went to pick up a few things at the Wal-mart in Kenora. We had a great road trip and on the way back we stopped at a few small towns and overlooks. It was a gorgeous day and I had a great time exploring more of Canada. Look for photos soon!
In other randomness:
- I saw a bobcat on the way back from town the other day. I only saw it for a split second as it crossed the road, but it was still pretty cool.
- We have a local that works as a shuttle driver for us and he hunts bears and his going to bring the camp a bear head for our dining hall wall tomorrow. Pretty neat!
There is so much to remember to tell you all and I know that I am forgetting a bunch :( I think I got all the highlights, though I may remember and write about more later. Know that I am enjoying my time in Canada and I am making lots of friends. I think of you all often and hope your summer months are splendid as well.
From the North, Kyle
Monday, June 11, 2012
Let the Season Begin!
Hello from the North!
This past week I have been working up in Atikokan in the trading post, getting the place ready for the season. I finished doing all the inventory and stocking the shelves. We also put barcode stickers on almost every item in the store (to make checkout easier). The base is shaping up and we are getting close to being ready for campers. On Saturday we returned to Ely, MN for a few fun things. There was the Wild Paddle Ball on Saturday evening. It was a dance and a social gathering. There was a campfire and lots of good food (and some really good ice cream :) On Saturday we also had "Christmas in June." It is wear each staff member receives something, depending on their year on staff. All first year staff, including myself, receive $50 to the trading post. All second year staff receive a paddle, third year staff a backpack, fourth year staff a knife, and fifth year and up a painting. On Sunday morning I went to church in Ely at St. Anthony's. Sunday afternoon was pretty relaxing. Sunday night there was a Rendezvous, or a campfire program. There was songs, skits, and stories. It was a great time. Today was my day off, so I didn't do much of anything. I relaxed and read a book. I also helped out around base, seeing as I really had nothing better to do.
So, I return to Canada tomorrow morning. Then, starting Wednesday, we have crews coming to base a the season begins! I have posted some photos already so be sure to take a look! I will post again soon and upload more photos soon too.
Hope everyone is enjoying the beginning of their summer vacations! Talk to you all soon! ~Kyle
This past week I have been working up in Atikokan in the trading post, getting the place ready for the season. I finished doing all the inventory and stocking the shelves. We also put barcode stickers on almost every item in the store (to make checkout easier). The base is shaping up and we are getting close to being ready for campers. On Saturday we returned to Ely, MN for a few fun things. There was the Wild Paddle Ball on Saturday evening. It was a dance and a social gathering. There was a campfire and lots of good food (and some really good ice cream :) On Saturday we also had "Christmas in June." It is wear each staff member receives something, depending on their year on staff. All first year staff, including myself, receive $50 to the trading post. All second year staff receive a paddle, third year staff a backpack, fourth year staff a knife, and fifth year and up a painting. On Sunday morning I went to church in Ely at St. Anthony's. Sunday afternoon was pretty relaxing. Sunday night there was a Rendezvous, or a campfire program. There was songs, skits, and stories. It was a great time. Today was my day off, so I didn't do much of anything. I relaxed and read a book. I also helped out around base, seeing as I really had nothing better to do.
So, I return to Canada tomorrow morning. Then, starting Wednesday, we have crews coming to base a the season begins! I have posted some photos already so be sure to take a look! I will post again soon and upload more photos soon too.
Hope everyone is enjoying the beginning of their summer vacations! Talk to you all soon! ~Kyle
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
This Has Got To Be The Good Life...
Hello everyone!
I'll jump right in..Canada has been great so far.
This past Saturday was more training. On Sunday we had a talk from the General Manager, Kevin Dowling, in the morning. We then ate lunch and left for Canada! It took about five hours total to drive from Ely, MN to Atikokan ON. Our border crossing went pretty smoothly (only a minor hiccup with the trailer we were pulling). We got to base around 6pm and started to settle in. We had the night off and relaxed.
On Monday we had our first full day of work. I started right off and began taking inventory in the trading post of all the items in the store. That task took me the whole day. After work we all went in the sauna and the lake. It truly is the life. The staff here is so nice and the staff in Atikokan in fairly small (compared to the staff at the Northern Tier base in Ely MN). We have 14 permanent base staff where the Ely base has well over 50 base staff members. It is nice to be away from the hubbub and comotion and have our niche. The overall atmosphere here is cozy and friendly. Last night the majority of us went into the actual town of Atikokan, which is about 30 min. away. It was good to see what the town looks like. Not much to it and certainly quaint and quiet.
Today is more inventorying. I have now finished the store inventory so it is time to move to taking inventory of the stock room.
The weather has been cooperating. It has been partly cloudy with a few rain drops.
All in all my experience so far as been phenomenal. The people, the camp, the location....everything about the summer thus far has been great. I hope the same can be said for you all back home. Know that I am thinking of you all and enjoying my time here.
I will "report" more later :) Look for photos soon-ish. We only have a few computers with internet access at the moment, and uploading photos takes some time, so I may have to wait a bit.
Again, hope all is well wherever you are today and talk to you all soon! ~ Kyle
I'll jump right in..Canada has been great so far.
This past Saturday was more training. On Sunday we had a talk from the General Manager, Kevin Dowling, in the morning. We then ate lunch and left for Canada! It took about five hours total to drive from Ely, MN to Atikokan ON. Our border crossing went pretty smoothly (only a minor hiccup with the trailer we were pulling). We got to base around 6pm and started to settle in. We had the night off and relaxed.
On Monday we had our first full day of work. I started right off and began taking inventory in the trading post of all the items in the store. That task took me the whole day. After work we all went in the sauna and the lake. It truly is the life. The staff here is so nice and the staff in Atikokan in fairly small (compared to the staff at the Northern Tier base in Ely MN). We have 14 permanent base staff where the Ely base has well over 50 base staff members. It is nice to be away from the hubbub and comotion and have our niche. The overall atmosphere here is cozy and friendly. Last night the majority of us went into the actual town of Atikokan, which is about 30 min. away. It was good to see what the town looks like. Not much to it and certainly quaint and quiet.
Today is more inventorying. I have now finished the store inventory so it is time to move to taking inventory of the stock room.
The weather has been cooperating. It has been partly cloudy with a few rain drops.
All in all my experience so far as been phenomenal. The people, the camp, the location....everything about the summer thus far has been great. I hope the same can be said for you all back home. Know that I am thinking of you all and enjoying my time here.
I will "report" more later :) Look for photos soon-ish. We only have a few computers with internet access at the moment, and uploading photos takes some time, so I may have to wait a bit.
Again, hope all is well wherever you are today and talk to you all soon! ~ Kyle
Saturday, June 2, 2012
Canada or Bust!
Hello Everyone!
So much has happened since I last blogged. Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday have all been a combination of Staff Training and Department Training. We have covered topics such as harassment, policies and procedures, emergency situations, etc. in "All Staff Training." In Department Training I have been helping out in the Trading Post here in Ely learning the ins and outs and helping them get ready for the season. I have been counting inventory and stocking items. Counting inventory is quite the work! It may sound mindless, but you have to think about a lot of things when doing it (how much is in the back, how much is on the floor, where is the rest?!, etc.)
Some other random things...
Last night we went to Babbitt, MN to do our BSA swim tests at the local high school. It was a fun trip. On the way back we ALL (around 175 people) stopped at DQ in Ely. P.S. - I passed :)
I will post the FEW pictures I have taken (I haven't had time to take very many) within the next few days.
AND, as the title eludes to, I am headed to the Atikokan, Ontario, Canada, the place I will permanently be for the summer, tomorrow afternoon. We will be there a little bit, then return to Ely, MN for a few days, then travel back to Atikokan on the 12th of June.
Hope all is well. Congrats to the Class of 2012. I wish I could be there at your parties, but know that I support you and I wish I was there!
Parting Wisdom: Remember that life is the path of opportunities we choose to pursue along with the unexpected obstacles along the way. Enjoy your latest opportunities and be optimistic about the obstacles! Have a great day!
Some other random things...
Last night we went to Babbitt, MN to do our BSA swim tests at the local high school. It was a fun trip. On the way back we ALL (around 175 people) stopped at DQ in Ely. P.S. - I passed :)
I will post the FEW pictures I have taken (I haven't had time to take very many) within the next few days.
AND, as the title eludes to, I am headed to the Atikokan, Ontario, Canada, the place I will permanently be for the summer, tomorrow afternoon. We will be there a little bit, then return to Ely, MN for a few days, then travel back to Atikokan on the 12th of June.
Hope all is well. Congrats to the Class of 2012. I wish I could be there at your parties, but know that I support you and I wish I was there!
Parting Wisdom: Remember that life is the path of opportunities we choose to pursue along with the unexpected obstacles along the way. Enjoy your latest opportunities and be optimistic about the obstacles! Have a great day!
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Let the Fun Begin!
Hello Everyone!
I will keep this short, as the computer time is limited to 15 minutes per person. I will start off with saying that I made it to Ely, MN safely to begin my time at Northern Tier. Yesterday I took the shuttle from the airport up here along with 14 other people. 15 people, 15 seats in the van. Let's just say we all knew each other by the time we got here :) Last night we got settled in and had a few introductions.
This morning we had breakfast and then I went through staff check-in. I received my uniform and all my fun goodies. Then, around mid-morning I was informed that I was going to Canada today to pick up my Canadian work permit! So, along with 6 others, we drove to International Falls, MN/Fort Frances, Ontario to get our work permits. We had a wonderful car ride filled with lots of fun memories. We walked across the border and they then processed our work permits. We then returned to the good ol' US of A. The drive took around 6 hours, 2.5 driving each way and about an hour at customs. We then returned to N-Tier and we had a late dinner and then the official staff training session began. We had all sorts of management and people talk about the various parts of Northern Tier. And, with that, that brings me to right now siting in the staff lounge on one of the only four computers on base that have internet.
A few side notes:
- My roommate Austin from Michigan Tech decided to work up here at Northern Tier this summer. What a coincidence!
- It has rained almost non stop since I got here.
- We stopped at a convenience store on our trip to Canada. I went in to get a hot chocolate. When I went to pay, the cashier told me it would be free of charge because I was Northern Tier staff! What a great example of the reputation of the staff at N-Tier.
Alright, well, there are a thousands more things to tell you all but my time is up. Know that I am safe and sound and settling in.
Hope all is well at home and where ever you may be reading this from :) Love from the North!
~ Kyle
P.S. - Please forgive my spelling, as I typed this pretty fast :)
I will keep this short, as the computer time is limited to 15 minutes per person. I will start off with saying that I made it to Ely, MN safely to begin my time at Northern Tier. Yesterday I took the shuttle from the airport up here along with 14 other people. 15 people, 15 seats in the van. Let's just say we all knew each other by the time we got here :) Last night we got settled in and had a few introductions.
This morning we had breakfast and then I went through staff check-in. I received my uniform and all my fun goodies. Then, around mid-morning I was informed that I was going to Canada today to pick up my Canadian work permit! So, along with 6 others, we drove to International Falls, MN/Fort Frances, Ontario to get our work permits. We had a wonderful car ride filled with lots of fun memories. We walked across the border and they then processed our work permits. We then returned to the good ol' US of A. The drive took around 6 hours, 2.5 driving each way and about an hour at customs. We then returned to N-Tier and we had a late dinner and then the official staff training session began. We had all sorts of management and people talk about the various parts of Northern Tier. And, with that, that brings me to right now siting in the staff lounge on one of the only four computers on base that have internet.
A few side notes:
- My roommate Austin from Michigan Tech decided to work up here at Northern Tier this summer. What a coincidence!
- It has rained almost non stop since I got here.
- We stopped at a convenience store on our trip to Canada. I went in to get a hot chocolate. When I went to pay, the cashier told me it would be free of charge because I was Northern Tier staff! What a great example of the reputation of the staff at N-Tier.
Alright, well, there are a thousands more things to tell you all but my time is up. Know that I am safe and sound and settling in.
Hope all is well at home and where ever you may be reading this from :) Love from the North!
~ Kyle
P.S. - Please forgive my spelling, as I typed this pretty fast :)
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Getting Ready to Go!
Hello Family and Friends!
I should begin this post by stating how thankful I am to you all who read my blog. I have enjoyed sharing the experiences of my first year of college with you and I look forward to continuing to share my adventures.
Speaking of adventures, another one is about to get underway! On Monday afternoon I will leave for Boy Scouts of America's Northern Tier High Adventure Base in Ely, MN. I am headed north for my summer job as a member of the trading post staff at the Don Rogert Canoe Base in Atikokan, Ontario Canada. I will be in Ely for a week of training and then I will head to Canada. I will mainly be working in the trading post selling souvenirs, fishing licenses, and forgotten gear :)
To possibly clear up some confusion, Northern Tier has three locations, or bases. One is in Ely (where I will be for a week for training and have been before for winter camping), and two are in Canada. I will be working at one of the Canada locations, near Atikokan, Ontario. It is about three hours east of International Falls, MN. My day will consist of helping crews with their trading post needs as they enter and leave the base. If it wasn't clear or stated, Northern Tier is a canoeing-based camp. We provide Boy Scouts with the opportunity to go canoeing in the Boundary Waters and the Canadian wilderness. We provide them with all the equipment necessary for the trip and help guide them on a fun and safe canoe trip. I will be working on base helping assist the crews with their trips.
As far as my summer is concerned, I will be sharing a cabin with probably 3 others. I will live out of a plastic tote and suitcase, and I will eat in the dining hall. I will have Internet access, though I can only assume it will be slow. The best way to contact me will be by email. I will get one day off a week and plan to enjoy every day in the northern wilderness :)
Alright, enough of my near future (which I will write more about once I am there) let's review my time here at home.
Last Wednesday I enjoyed spending time with the Logans. It is always fun to get together with my "brothers" :)
On Friday morning Mom, Kayla, and I attended the Senior Mass at Hill-Murray. At the Mass was the 1st annual Distinguished Alumni Awards. My Dad's cousin, Pat Barrett, was awarded this award and my great-aunt accepted it on her behalf (as she was in Missouri). Afterward there was a wonderful reception. It was fun for Kayla and I to go around and talk with some of our old teachers. Friday afternoon I went to lunch with a friend from high school. It is so much fun to catch up with old friends and to see where life takes us! Friday evening we all attended the Spring Pop concert at Totino-Grace. They all did a great job singing and dancing. Job well done.
On Saturday Dad and I attended Josh Logan's Eagle Scout Project. We helped build benches that are now installed around the fire pit at Katherine Abbott Park in Mahtomedi. Another job well done.
Saturday afternoon we attended a birthday party for my (now second) youngest cousin, Maliyah. As we learned at the party, my aunt is expecting again and so another cousin is on the way! The baby is due on Christmas Day.
On Sunday we attended an open house for my Aunt Diane, as we graduated from her Masters Program at Hamline University.
On Monday Kayla and I went out to lunch with a friend from church. We had lots of fun sharing our summer plans.
On Tuesday I mowed some grass and Kayla and I visited Grandma W. We went for a walk and enjoyed a delicious treat at The 4 Seasons afterward.
On Wednesday I went to lunch with a different friend from high school, once again, catching up on the past year's activities. Wednesday evening Mary came over and for a rare occasion we had seven people at the dinner table. It was so nice having everyone home for dinner :)
On Thursday morning Kayla left for Buenes Aires, Argentina. She is studying abroad for six weeks, living with a host family and taking two classes. We hope she has a fun and memorable time. Please pray for her safety and good travels.
Earlier today I did some needed shopping, dealt with some important paperwork, and began the packing process. Also, we went out for a wonderful dinner as a family. The countdown has begun and I leave in 60 hours. Yikes!
I will certainly miss being around for the summer and will miss seeing my family and friends. Know that I was torn when I accepted this job and I am still torn as it comes close for me to leave. I will stay in touch by blogging and posting pictures. Please pray that I have safe travels to Ely and then on to Canada. Continue to read the blog and have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend!
Your friend, son, brother, grandson, nephew, and more, Kyle
I should begin this post by stating how thankful I am to you all who read my blog. I have enjoyed sharing the experiences of my first year of college with you and I look forward to continuing to share my adventures.
Speaking of adventures, another one is about to get underway! On Monday afternoon I will leave for Boy Scouts of America's Northern Tier High Adventure Base in Ely, MN. I am headed north for my summer job as a member of the trading post staff at the Don Rogert Canoe Base in Atikokan, Ontario Canada. I will be in Ely for a week of training and then I will head to Canada. I will mainly be working in the trading post selling souvenirs, fishing licenses, and forgotten gear :)
To possibly clear up some confusion, Northern Tier has three locations, or bases. One is in Ely (where I will be for a week for training and have been before for winter camping), and two are in Canada. I will be working at one of the Canada locations, near Atikokan, Ontario. It is about three hours east of International Falls, MN. My day will consist of helping crews with their trading post needs as they enter and leave the base. If it wasn't clear or stated, Northern Tier is a canoeing-based camp. We provide Boy Scouts with the opportunity to go canoeing in the Boundary Waters and the Canadian wilderness. We provide them with all the equipment necessary for the trip and help guide them on a fun and safe canoe trip. I will be working on base helping assist the crews with their trips.
As far as my summer is concerned, I will be sharing a cabin with probably 3 others. I will live out of a plastic tote and suitcase, and I will eat in the dining hall. I will have Internet access, though I can only assume it will be slow. The best way to contact me will be by email. I will get one day off a week and plan to enjoy every day in the northern wilderness :)
Alright, enough of my near future (which I will write more about once I am there) let's review my time here at home.
Last Wednesday I enjoyed spending time with the Logans. It is always fun to get together with my "brothers" :)
On Friday morning Mom, Kayla, and I attended the Senior Mass at Hill-Murray. At the Mass was the 1st annual Distinguished Alumni Awards. My Dad's cousin, Pat Barrett, was awarded this award and my great-aunt accepted it on her behalf (as she was in Missouri). Afterward there was a wonderful reception. It was fun for Kayla and I to go around and talk with some of our old teachers. Friday afternoon I went to lunch with a friend from high school. It is so much fun to catch up with old friends and to see where life takes us! Friday evening we all attended the Spring Pop concert at Totino-Grace. They all did a great job singing and dancing. Job well done.
On Saturday Dad and I attended Josh Logan's Eagle Scout Project. We helped build benches that are now installed around the fire pit at Katherine Abbott Park in Mahtomedi. Another job well done.
Saturday afternoon we attended a birthday party for my (now second) youngest cousin, Maliyah. As we learned at the party, my aunt is expecting again and so another cousin is on the way! The baby is due on Christmas Day.
On Sunday we attended an open house for my Aunt Diane, as we graduated from her Masters Program at Hamline University.
On Monday Kayla and I went out to lunch with a friend from church. We had lots of fun sharing our summer plans.
On Tuesday I mowed some grass and Kayla and I visited Grandma W. We went for a walk and enjoyed a delicious treat at The 4 Seasons afterward.
On Wednesday I went to lunch with a different friend from high school, once again, catching up on the past year's activities. Wednesday evening Mary came over and for a rare occasion we had seven people at the dinner table. It was so nice having everyone home for dinner :)
On Thursday morning Kayla left for Buenes Aires, Argentina. She is studying abroad for six weeks, living with a host family and taking two classes. We hope she has a fun and memorable time. Please pray for her safety and good travels.
Earlier today I did some needed shopping, dealt with some important paperwork, and began the packing process. Also, we went out for a wonderful dinner as a family. The countdown has begun and I leave in 60 hours. Yikes!
I will certainly miss being around for the summer and will miss seeing my family and friends. Know that I was torn when I accepted this job and I am still torn as it comes close for me to leave. I will stay in touch by blogging and posting pictures. Please pray that I have safe travels to Ely and then on to Canada. Continue to read the blog and have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend!
Your friend, son, brother, grandson, nephew, and more, Kyle
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Enjoying Each Day
Hello Readers -
I will start by saying that I have redone the look of my blog, as you have probably noticed. I hope you like it. The biggest change is that the link to the photos is now on the right. You have to hover your cursor over the black rectangles over on the right and then click on the one that says "links."
I am now half way through my time in MN for the summer. I leave in just 12 days (May 28th)! I have been enjoying my time here at home.
Last Sunday was Troop 433's Pancake Breakfast. It was a fairly successful year. Thank you to all those who helped and to those who came and ate!
Last week my friend Anna was in town to visit me and her friend who goes to the U of M. We went on many adventures around the Twin Cities including downtown Stillwater, the Mall of America, Minnehaha Falls, Como Zoo and Conservatory, the Science Museum of MN, the Walker Art Center, and a Twins game. Hopefully she had a great time in MN!
On Saturday Anna left for home (IL) and Kayla came home! We are now all home (for a short time). On Saturday evening we all went to Hill-Murray to see the production of Bye Bye Birdie. It was great!
This past Sunday was Mothers' Day. We went to church and then went to Grandma's. It was so much fun hanging out with my family, especially my little cousins :) We grilled up some hamburgers and ate outside, seeing as it was a beautiful day. I will certainly miss seeing everyone over the summer months :(
This week has been fairly relaxing. It has included some yard work and some needed shopping. One of my newest purchases is a new camera. I bought it used off of ebay and it should be arriving soon! Hopefully it works well! FYI - I bought the Panasonic Lumix FZ40.
As stated, I am enjoying each day. Kayla leaves next Thursday (the 24th) for Buenes Aires, Argentina for a 6 week study abroad program and I leave on Memorial Day (the 28th). I hope to be able to get together with as many people as I can while I am still around.
Hope you are all enjoying the wonderful summer weather and remember, life is good!
I will start by saying that I have redone the look of my blog, as you have probably noticed. I hope you like it. The biggest change is that the link to the photos is now on the right. You have to hover your cursor over the black rectangles over on the right and then click on the one that says "links."
I am now half way through my time in MN for the summer. I leave in just 12 days (May 28th)! I have been enjoying my time here at home.
Last Sunday was Troop 433's Pancake Breakfast. It was a fairly successful year. Thank you to all those who helped and to those who came and ate!
Last week my friend Anna was in town to visit me and her friend who goes to the U of M. We went on many adventures around the Twin Cities including downtown Stillwater, the Mall of America, Minnehaha Falls, Como Zoo and Conservatory, the Science Museum of MN, the Walker Art Center, and a Twins game. Hopefully she had a great time in MN!
On Saturday Anna left for home (IL) and Kayla came home! We are now all home (for a short time). On Saturday evening we all went to Hill-Murray to see the production of Bye Bye Birdie. It was great!
This past Sunday was Mothers' Day. We went to church and then went to Grandma's. It was so much fun hanging out with my family, especially my little cousins :) We grilled up some hamburgers and ate outside, seeing as it was a beautiful day. I will certainly miss seeing everyone over the summer months :(
This week has been fairly relaxing. It has included some yard work and some needed shopping. One of my newest purchases is a new camera. I bought it used off of ebay and it should be arriving soon! Hopefully it works well! FYI - I bought the Panasonic Lumix FZ40.
As stated, I am enjoying each day. Kayla leaves next Thursday (the 24th) for Buenes Aires, Argentina for a 6 week study abroad program and I leave on Memorial Day (the 28th). I hope to be able to get together with as many people as I can while I am still around.
Hope you are all enjoying the wonderful summer weather and remember, life is good!
Friday, May 4, 2012
The Wonderful Month of May
Hello Everyone!
My first year of college is over! My freshman year went, all-around, well and the grades look good :) I had my finals on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday and then I packed Thursday evening. Mom and Dad came to pick me up on Thursday night/Friday morning. I checked out of my room Friday morning, and after some lunch and sad goodbyes, we headed home.
Friday evening we got everything in the door and then I went off to see Angela in Ashland's production of Footloose at Maplewood Community Center. It was AMAZING! The cast and crew did such a great job! The show was certainly energetic and full of great music.
On Saturday morning I helped the scouts reorganize and build shelves at the St. Jude ARK. Then, in the afternoon, I helped a fellow scout with his Eagle project. I also got to see Footloose again!
On Sunday I got to see lots of people at church and enjoyed ushering at home :) AND, one last time, I was fortunate enough to see Footloose again for its final performance.
On Tuesday I attended Northern Star Council's Gathering of Eagles Dinner Event. Dad, Rich and Nic Logan also attended.
This week has been a lot of sorting, unpacking, and repacking. I have been sorting my life into categories, trying to get ready for Canada as well as be prepared for the fall (as I am only home for one day in August). I have also been running a lot of errands, making sure I have everything I need.
This Sunday is Troop 433's pancake breakfast, so I have been helping prepare for that, and I will help out on Sunday. Also on Sunday, my friend Anna is coming to MN to visit me as well as her friend from home who attends the U of M.
I hope to get a chance to see you all while I am home here in this wonderful month of May. I will be departing for Ely, MN and then Canada on Monday May 28th. Only 24 days!
My first year of college is over! My freshman year went, all-around, well and the grades look good :) I had my finals on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday and then I packed Thursday evening. Mom and Dad came to pick me up on Thursday night/Friday morning. I checked out of my room Friday morning, and after some lunch and sad goodbyes, we headed home.
Friday evening we got everything in the door and then I went off to see Angela in Ashland's production of Footloose at Maplewood Community Center. It was AMAZING! The cast and crew did such a great job! The show was certainly energetic and full of great music.
On Saturday morning I helped the scouts reorganize and build shelves at the St. Jude ARK. Then, in the afternoon, I helped a fellow scout with his Eagle project. I also got to see Footloose again!
On Sunday I got to see lots of people at church and enjoyed ushering at home :) AND, one last time, I was fortunate enough to see Footloose again for its final performance.
On Tuesday I attended Northern Star Council's Gathering of Eagles Dinner Event. Dad, Rich and Nic Logan also attended.
This week has been a lot of sorting, unpacking, and repacking. I have been sorting my life into categories, trying to get ready for Canada as well as be prepared for the fall (as I am only home for one day in August). I have also been running a lot of errands, making sure I have everything I need.
This Sunday is Troop 433's pancake breakfast, so I have been helping prepare for that, and I will help out on Sunday. Also on Sunday, my friend Anna is coming to MN to visit me as well as her friend from home who attends the U of M.
I hope to get a chance to see you all while I am home here in this wonderful month of May. I will be departing for Ely, MN and then Canada on Monday May 28th. Only 24 days!
Saturday, April 21, 2012
One (almost) Down, Three to Go!
Hello everyone! Classes are over for the semester! Woohoo! I know it has been two weeks since I last posted, so I will share my past doings while trying to keep it all brief (you know how well I do at that.... :)
On Holy Saturday I attended the Easter Vigil at St. Al's. The Mass went for almost three hours and included an outdoor fire and two baptisms and a few confirmations and first communions. After Mass (at almost 12:30am) they served cake and punch to celebrate the newly initiated.
On Easter morning I arose and opened my Easter packages from you all, including my "Easter box." I thoroughly enjoyed all the fun things and of course the candy. I went to Mass at 11am and brought along a few friends. After Mass we started t cook our Easter dinner. Many different people contributed to the meal and many more helped cook. Overall we made food that served over 30 people! We were all pretty proud of our meal and serving so many people. Hopefully everyone enjoyed the extra-special meal, as for many of us this was our first Easter (and main holiday) not at home. We cooked into the afternoon and ate around 3:30pm. While cooking I got to talk to many of you via Skype! The afternoon was relaxing and my friends and I sat around together and talked. The sun was out and we took some chairs outside to just sit and relax :)
In other news, my staff packet from Northern Tier (the camp I'm working at over the summer) came in the mail. I now have paper work and forms to fill out and return so I can officially accept the job!
On the following Wednesday I had a chemistry exam, which went ok. On that Thursday Treehouse ate lunch with the president of the University, which was pretty cool. He came and ate with us in the dining hall and discussed his forestry background. He seems like a pretty cool guy. Thursday evening I attended the Wildlife Society meeting and and SI session. I also attended movie night, where we watched "The Muppet Movie," the new one.
Friday the 13th was our school's Spring Fling day. I had class in the morning and then enjoyed the activities in the afternoon. Activities included Oozeball, which is mud volleyball, a motorcycle stunt show, live music, and booths set up by different organizations on campus. For those of you who are wondering, no, I didn't play Oozeball myself, though I have a few pics of others playing in the mud :)
On Friday evening I participated in a vigil walk called "Take Back the Night." It is a national campaign to combat sexual aggression and violence. As a large group of people, we walked down College Ave. to downtown. There was then a short speech and then we all got candles and walked back to campus in silence. It was a pretty powerful march.
On Saturday I helped out with the PowWow which was being held in the SDC. I helped make fry bread, which is a traditional Native American food. I also helped then set up the space for the event. Later in the afternoon I attended the event. On Saturday evening I attended the joint Michigan Tech Choir Concert and Keweenaw Symphony Orchestra Concert. It was a good concert and fairly relaxing. Special thanks to Dave and Jen for coming with me :)
Sunday was pretty boring. Group meetings, a hall meeting, and homework dominated my day.
This week was pretty busy, but nothing too specific. I had my Natural Resource Policy presentation on Thursday morning. It feels great to have that over with. On Friday I had my spanish exam, and am now done with spanish for the year. I also am already done with Chemistry lab, Chemistry recitation, and Natural Resource Seminar.
I worked at the moose job on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday and I'm now done working with them unless there is money in the budget in the fall to pay me to continue. I really enjoyed the job and in the last two months or so I got to help with a variety of tasks that were not just entering data into the computer. I helped search the freezers for moose tissue, pulled moose legs out a freezer, took pictures of bones, and did a host of other small things in the lab. I can say that my time at work was enjoyable and I have learned a great deal about Isle Royale and moose and wolves in general. I worked with the project in a critical time and this project in all over the news (NT Times and more) right now. Let's hope they have room for me to help out in the fall!!
On Friday I worked my last day in Kevyn's research lab, at least for now. I really enjoyed this job as well, as it allowed me to learn about plants, vegetation, invasive species, and much more. I got to explore two greenhouses, go on top the roof of the Dow building, use the special surface area machine, pull roots from dirt, count weeds, and more!
Since Friday was the last day of classes, I now have only some online homework, a paper, and three finals standing between me and summer!! My calculus exam is Monday night, Chemistry Wednesday morning, and Natural Resource Policy Thursday morning. My paper is due Wednesday and my online homework is due Thursday. By Thursday at around 1pm I will be done!! Then it's time to pack and head home! I will be leaving here Friday morning and will be home Friday evening!!
P.S. - Special notes to everyone who has been working on the St. Jude play, Beauty and the Beast, and Ashland Productions' Footloose. Congrats to Angela who is in Footloose, to my parents who have been working extremely hard on Beauty and the Beast, and to Rachel who has taken over the job of running lights for the St. Jude play. I know you all continue to say that I make you proud, but all the work and efforts you put into these shows makes ME proud of YOU.
P.P.S. - Happy early Earth Day (which is Sunday)! I hope you all are able to find a way to better help our planet (reduce reuse, recycle, etc.)!
I can't wait to see you all in less than a week! Wish me luck as I work hard on my studies in the next week and I will see you all "on the other side!"
On Holy Saturday I attended the Easter Vigil at St. Al's. The Mass went for almost three hours and included an outdoor fire and two baptisms and a few confirmations and first communions. After Mass (at almost 12:30am) they served cake and punch to celebrate the newly initiated.
On Easter morning I arose and opened my Easter packages from you all, including my "Easter box." I thoroughly enjoyed all the fun things and of course the candy. I went to Mass at 11am and brought along a few friends. After Mass we started t cook our Easter dinner. Many different people contributed to the meal and many more helped cook. Overall we made food that served over 30 people! We were all pretty proud of our meal and serving so many people. Hopefully everyone enjoyed the extra-special meal, as for many of us this was our first Easter (and main holiday) not at home. We cooked into the afternoon and ate around 3:30pm. While cooking I got to talk to many of you via Skype! The afternoon was relaxing and my friends and I sat around together and talked. The sun was out and we took some chairs outside to just sit and relax :)
In other news, my staff packet from Northern Tier (the camp I'm working at over the summer) came in the mail. I now have paper work and forms to fill out and return so I can officially accept the job!
On the following Wednesday I had a chemistry exam, which went ok. On that Thursday Treehouse ate lunch with the president of the University, which was pretty cool. He came and ate with us in the dining hall and discussed his forestry background. He seems like a pretty cool guy. Thursday evening I attended the Wildlife Society meeting and and SI session. I also attended movie night, where we watched "The Muppet Movie," the new one.
Friday the 13th was our school's Spring Fling day. I had class in the morning and then enjoyed the activities in the afternoon. Activities included Oozeball, which is mud volleyball, a motorcycle stunt show, live music, and booths set up by different organizations on campus. For those of you who are wondering, no, I didn't play Oozeball myself, though I have a few pics of others playing in the mud :)
On Friday evening I participated in a vigil walk called "Take Back the Night." It is a national campaign to combat sexual aggression and violence. As a large group of people, we walked down College Ave. to downtown. There was then a short speech and then we all got candles and walked back to campus in silence. It was a pretty powerful march.
On Saturday I helped out with the PowWow which was being held in the SDC. I helped make fry bread, which is a traditional Native American food. I also helped then set up the space for the event. Later in the afternoon I attended the event. On Saturday evening I attended the joint Michigan Tech Choir Concert and Keweenaw Symphony Orchestra Concert. It was a good concert and fairly relaxing. Special thanks to Dave and Jen for coming with me :)
Sunday was pretty boring. Group meetings, a hall meeting, and homework dominated my day.
This week was pretty busy, but nothing too specific. I had my Natural Resource Policy presentation on Thursday morning. It feels great to have that over with. On Friday I had my spanish exam, and am now done with spanish for the year. I also am already done with Chemistry lab, Chemistry recitation, and Natural Resource Seminar.
I worked at the moose job on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday and I'm now done working with them unless there is money in the budget in the fall to pay me to continue. I really enjoyed the job and in the last two months or so I got to help with a variety of tasks that were not just entering data into the computer. I helped search the freezers for moose tissue, pulled moose legs out a freezer, took pictures of bones, and did a host of other small things in the lab. I can say that my time at work was enjoyable and I have learned a great deal about Isle Royale and moose and wolves in general. I worked with the project in a critical time and this project in all over the news (NT Times and more) right now. Let's hope they have room for me to help out in the fall!!
On Friday I worked my last day in Kevyn's research lab, at least for now. I really enjoyed this job as well, as it allowed me to learn about plants, vegetation, invasive species, and much more. I got to explore two greenhouses, go on top the roof of the Dow building, use the special surface area machine, pull roots from dirt, count weeds, and more!
Since Friday was the last day of classes, I now have only some online homework, a paper, and three finals standing between me and summer!! My calculus exam is Monday night, Chemistry Wednesday morning, and Natural Resource Policy Thursday morning. My paper is due Wednesday and my online homework is due Thursday. By Thursday at around 1pm I will be done!! Then it's time to pack and head home! I will be leaving here Friday morning and will be home Friday evening!!
P.S. - Special notes to everyone who has been working on the St. Jude play, Beauty and the Beast, and Ashland Productions' Footloose. Congrats to Angela who is in Footloose, to my parents who have been working extremely hard on Beauty and the Beast, and to Rachel who has taken over the job of running lights for the St. Jude play. I know you all continue to say that I make you proud, but all the work and efforts you put into these shows makes ME proud of YOU.
P.P.S. - Happy early Earth Day (which is Sunday)! I hope you all are able to find a way to better help our planet (reduce reuse, recycle, etc.)!
I can't wait to see you all in less than a week! Wish me luck as I work hard on my studies in the next week and I will see you all "on the other side!"
Saturday, April 7, 2012
Happy Easter!
Happy Easter (almost) Everyone!
It is certainly weird to be elsewhere for a holiday. I am trying to make the most of my Easter here Houghton, though nothing will be like Easter at home. Thank you to all of you who sent me Easter goodies! The Easter Bunny even delivered my "Easter Box"! I am blessed to have you all thinking of me!
Going back a few days, last weekend was pretty low-key, though there was lots to do. I have been working on a group project for Natural Resource Policy that requires a lot of group collaboration. That has been a big focus lately. Last Sunday was Palm Sunday and I made sure to take a few palms, now behind the cross in my room.
On Tuesday I had Staff Training for my PA job. It went from 7:30-10pm. We covered the official contract, specific duties, got to meet the rest of our small staff, had our pictures taken, and had a session on cultural competency.
Wednesday was an extremely busy day. I had classes and USG office hours as normal in the morning. That afternoon I had a spanish oral exam, where I had to go in and talk with my professor and one other student for 10 minutes on a topic she chose. I think I surprised myself and I think it went pretty well. Afterward, I ran off to a meeting with my supervisor for next year. After that I went to do some last minute studying before my calculus exam. Once I finished the exam I went to the USG meeting. After the long and exhausting day I finally felt relaxed. Special note: Wednesday was my Grandma Widenstrom's birthday...Happy Birthday Grandma!
Thursday morning I went for a nice walk. It felt good to just get outside (something that I have been missing in my routine lately). I had a class and lab and then I went to church at St. Ignatius of Loyola for Holy Thursday. I went with some friends and afterward we went to Walmart. My friends were buying some items for a club they are a part of and we had fun picking out stuff for the club. I picked up some Easter goodies for my friends too!
On Friday I only had chemistry (because the other classes were cancelled due to the exams earlier in the week). It felt good to sleep in and take the day slowly. I went to Veneration of the Cross at 3pm at St. Al's. After church my friends Anna and Justin and I went birding. We drove north and went to Eagle River, Eagle Harbor, Brockway Mountain, and Copper Harbor. We had a great time birding...clarification...they had a great time birding and I enjoyed some great photography moments :) I, too, enjoyed seeing and hearing some cool birds. I had been everywhere we went except for Brockway Mtn. This was my first time up there and it was pretty cool! Look for some pics!
Last night there was a coffee house downstairs put on by WHSA. There are always some great performers. Another great evening with friends.
I slept in this morning and have had a pretty relaxed day. The USG end of the year banquet was this afternoon downtown at the Ambassador Restaurant. Another good time with friends. I received the "rookie of the year" award. This evening my friends and I dyed some Easter eggs. Tonight there is the Easter Vigil at 9:30pm and then Mass tomorrow at 11am. Tomorrow afternoon my Treehouse friends and I are making an Easter dinner of our own. Everything from the ham to pie. It should be good, though nothing like Grandma and Grandpa's cooking :)
Another special note: Happy early 16th birthday to my sister Rachel!
It is hard to believe that I will be done with a whole year of college and all my current finals and classes in less than three weeks! 20 days and I'll be home!
It is certainly weird to be elsewhere for a holiday. I am trying to make the most of my Easter here Houghton, though nothing will be like Easter at home. Thank you to all of you who sent me Easter goodies! The Easter Bunny even delivered my "Easter Box"! I am blessed to have you all thinking of me!
Going back a few days, last weekend was pretty low-key, though there was lots to do. I have been working on a group project for Natural Resource Policy that requires a lot of group collaboration. That has been a big focus lately. Last Sunday was Palm Sunday and I made sure to take a few palms, now behind the cross in my room.
On Tuesday I had Staff Training for my PA job. It went from 7:30-10pm. We covered the official contract, specific duties, got to meet the rest of our small staff, had our pictures taken, and had a session on cultural competency.
Wednesday was an extremely busy day. I had classes and USG office hours as normal in the morning. That afternoon I had a spanish oral exam, where I had to go in and talk with my professor and one other student for 10 minutes on a topic she chose. I think I surprised myself and I think it went pretty well. Afterward, I ran off to a meeting with my supervisor for next year. After that I went to do some last minute studying before my calculus exam. Once I finished the exam I went to the USG meeting. After the long and exhausting day I finally felt relaxed. Special note: Wednesday was my Grandma Widenstrom's birthday...Happy Birthday Grandma!
Thursday morning I went for a nice walk. It felt good to just get outside (something that I have been missing in my routine lately). I had a class and lab and then I went to church at St. Ignatius of Loyola for Holy Thursday. I went with some friends and afterward we went to Walmart. My friends were buying some items for a club they are a part of and we had fun picking out stuff for the club. I picked up some Easter goodies for my friends too!
On Friday I only had chemistry (because the other classes were cancelled due to the exams earlier in the week). It felt good to sleep in and take the day slowly. I went to Veneration of the Cross at 3pm at St. Al's. After church my friends Anna and Justin and I went birding. We drove north and went to Eagle River, Eagle Harbor, Brockway Mountain, and Copper Harbor. We had a great time birding...clarification...they had a great time birding and I enjoyed some great photography moments :) I, too, enjoyed seeing and hearing some cool birds. I had been everywhere we went except for Brockway Mtn. This was my first time up there and it was pretty cool! Look for some pics!
Last night there was a coffee house downstairs put on by WHSA. There are always some great performers. Another great evening with friends.
I slept in this morning and have had a pretty relaxed day. The USG end of the year banquet was this afternoon downtown at the Ambassador Restaurant. Another good time with friends. I received the "rookie of the year" award. This evening my friends and I dyed some Easter eggs. Tonight there is the Easter Vigil at 9:30pm and then Mass tomorrow at 11am. Tomorrow afternoon my Treehouse friends and I are making an Easter dinner of our own. Everything from the ham to pie. It should be good, though nothing like Grandma and Grandpa's cooking :)
Another special note: Happy early 16th birthday to my sister Rachel!
It is hard to believe that I will be done with a whole year of college and all my current finals and classes in less than three weeks! 20 days and I'll be home!
Friday, March 30, 2012
Busier and Busier as the End Nears
Hello Everyone!
There are so many things to share with you all! Last Monday I attended one of the first training sessions for my PA job. They gave an overview of where the different positions "fit" in the University and shared the mission and value statement of Housing and Residential Life (from here forward referred to as HRL). Also, as we said goodbye to winter it was in the 60's. Tuesday was a wonderful first day of spring. On Wednesday I had a spanish exam, my WAM and USG meetings, and more staff training for the PA job. On Thursday there was the Budget Hearing appeals, where student organizations could come in an appeal WAM's decision on their budget for next year. On Friday I attended a fundraising event called Standathon. The premise is that everyone stands from 7pm-7am Sat. morning. There was a donation at the door and then all night there were activities and games to do to keep you from seating! (See the pics) On Saturday there were many students on campus for Preview Day, a day tailored to prospective students to see the campus. I will mention that this event marks one year from when I decided to attend Michigan Tech myself! It's hard to believe how much as occurred in the past year (HS graduation, college, upcoming summer job, job for next year...the list goes on!).
From Tuesday to Friday of last week I did a different job when I went to work. I normally enter data of the moose, but last week we were taking bone measurements and photo documenting all the bones in the lab. I got touch, look, examine, and take photos of the bones. See the pics!
This week as been pretty busy too. On Tuesday I registered for my classes for next fall. I will be taking Forest Ecology (w/ Lab), Soil Science (w/ Lab), Compositions, Spanish Lev. III, and Statistical Methods.
On Wednesday I submitted a few pieces of photography to an art show here on campus. They had only a few entrees so all those who submitted work received gift cards! The art is currently displayed in the dining hall for everyone to see.
Yesterday was the Forestry symposium. I went and listened to a woman speak on climate change and how to adapt our forest management techniques to adjust for the change. Last night was Overstory, which is the School of Forest Resources and Environmental Sciences' end-of-the-year banquet. We honor the seniors, outstanding students and faculty of the year, and yes, give out some gag awards too (best beard, best laugh, etc.). There was absolutely delicious food and great music. The event was held in Atlantic Mine, a tiny town about 5 minutes south of Houghton. Look for some pics!
So, a few general things. Over the last two weeks I have been working on renewing my passport and applying for a passport card. After much delay and a few hiccups, I finally got all the paperwork and documents I needed to submit my renewal application earlier this week. Hopefully that will all go smoothly so I can go to Canada!
I have also been dealing with the government in other capacities lately. I filed my taxes and received both my state and federal refunds..hooray! Every little bit I can get back helps! Northern Tier, as my future employer, has been working on my behalf to obtain my work permit to work in Canada. And, in addition to all those things, I registered to vote!
Weather: Well, spring came in awfully nice (70's and sunny). This week as been a bit cooler (40's) and now just this morning we all woke up to a nice coating of snow. You can see some photos I took out my window during the past few weeks. It is amazing what one week can do. One week = snow storm where you can't see out the window and the next it is sunny and 80 degrees.
Be sure to take a look at the photos I have added in both the "Feb/March" link and the "March-Present" link. New white board messages are up too. Look for pictures of a map showing where I will be in Canada this summer!
Well, that's what I've got! The coming weeks will be stressful as only three weeks of instruction remain and then finals. I have a spanish speaking exam, a calculus exam, some more staff training, a group presentation, a chemistry exam, and lots of other things next week...not to mention it is Holy Week and the Triduum. Hard to believe that Easter is just around the corner.
As this is a busy time for most people, I hope you are all staying healthy and keeping up with this fast-pace world we live in. Have a fantastic weekend!
There are so many things to share with you all! Last Monday I attended one of the first training sessions for my PA job. They gave an overview of where the different positions "fit" in the University and shared the mission and value statement of Housing and Residential Life (from here forward referred to as HRL). Also, as we said goodbye to winter it was in the 60's. Tuesday was a wonderful first day of spring. On Wednesday I had a spanish exam, my WAM and USG meetings, and more staff training for the PA job. On Thursday there was the Budget Hearing appeals, where student organizations could come in an appeal WAM's decision on their budget for next year. On Friday I attended a fundraising event called Standathon. The premise is that everyone stands from 7pm-7am Sat. morning. There was a donation at the door and then all night there were activities and games to do to keep you from seating! (See the pics) On Saturday there were many students on campus for Preview Day, a day tailored to prospective students to see the campus. I will mention that this event marks one year from when I decided to attend Michigan Tech myself! It's hard to believe how much as occurred in the past year (HS graduation, college, upcoming summer job, job for next year...the list goes on!).
From Tuesday to Friday of last week I did a different job when I went to work. I normally enter data of the moose, but last week we were taking bone measurements and photo documenting all the bones in the lab. I got touch, look, examine, and take photos of the bones. See the pics!
This week as been pretty busy too. On Tuesday I registered for my classes for next fall. I will be taking Forest Ecology (w/ Lab), Soil Science (w/ Lab), Compositions, Spanish Lev. III, and Statistical Methods.
On Wednesday I submitted a few pieces of photography to an art show here on campus. They had only a few entrees so all those who submitted work received gift cards! The art is currently displayed in the dining hall for everyone to see.
Yesterday was the Forestry symposium. I went and listened to a woman speak on climate change and how to adapt our forest management techniques to adjust for the change. Last night was Overstory, which is the School of Forest Resources and Environmental Sciences' end-of-the-year banquet. We honor the seniors, outstanding students and faculty of the year, and yes, give out some gag awards too (best beard, best laugh, etc.). There was absolutely delicious food and great music. The event was held in Atlantic Mine, a tiny town about 5 minutes south of Houghton. Look for some pics!
So, a few general things. Over the last two weeks I have been working on renewing my passport and applying for a passport card. After much delay and a few hiccups, I finally got all the paperwork and documents I needed to submit my renewal application earlier this week. Hopefully that will all go smoothly so I can go to Canada!
I have also been dealing with the government in other capacities lately. I filed my taxes and received both my state and federal refunds..hooray! Every little bit I can get back helps! Northern Tier, as my future employer, has been working on my behalf to obtain my work permit to work in Canada. And, in addition to all those things, I registered to vote!
Weather: Well, spring came in awfully nice (70's and sunny). This week as been a bit cooler (40's) and now just this morning we all woke up to a nice coating of snow. You can see some photos I took out my window during the past few weeks. It is amazing what one week can do. One week = snow storm where you can't see out the window and the next it is sunny and 80 degrees.
Be sure to take a look at the photos I have added in both the "Feb/March" link and the "March-Present" link. New white board messages are up too. Look for pictures of a map showing where I will be in Canada this summer!
Well, that's what I've got! The coming weeks will be stressful as only three weeks of instruction remain and then finals. I have a spanish speaking exam, a calculus exam, some more staff training, a group presentation, a chemistry exam, and lots of other things next week...not to mention it is Holy Week and the Triduum. Hard to believe that Easter is just around the corner.
As this is a busy time for most people, I hope you are all staying healthy and keeping up with this fast-pace world we live in. Have a fantastic weekend!
Sunday, March 18, 2012
CANADA!
Hello Family and Friends! I have some pretty exciting news to share. It seems as if all my summer job searching has paid off. Last week I was contacted by Northern Tier National High Adventure Base. It is a Boy Scout camp that has three locations, and is based out of Ely, MN. You may recall that I have attended their winter camping program, called Okpik, twice (in Ely). They also have two other bases (locations), one in Atikokan, Ontario, Canada and one in Bissett, Manitoba, Canada. I have been offered and accepted a position as a trading post staff member at the Don Rogert Canoe Base in Atikokan, Ontario, CANADA! I am really excited about this opportunity and the great summer ahead! I will be working in the trading post (camp store) selling equipment, souvenirs, etc. I will be gone (either in Ely, MN or Canada) from late May to mid-August, in just enough time before I have to head back to Michigan Tech for my fall training for my PA job. Atikokan, Ontario is almost directly north of Ely, MN, just into Canada (see map in my pics soon). To get there you have to go through International Falls or Thunder Bay. I'm sad that I will be gone the whole summer, but I will blog my experiences and keep in touch. This job will be a great experience working at a different camp, getting paid to do so, and being in the great outdoors and wilderness of Canada! The camp is in almost the middle of nowhere and is really secluded. Again, I can't think of a better way to spend my summer; Boy Scouts, the outdoors, and providing great customer service! I could talk your ear off about this, but I won't now. Let me know if you want to know more about my plans!
In other things....I had an extremely busy week returning back to school. Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday were jam-packed and I had to plan those days out hour-by-hour. Between a presentation Monday, papers for Tuesday and one for Friday, a chem exam on Wednesday, a generally high amount of homework, and a host of other things, my brain was an high function all week.
On Tuesday I attended an advising meeting through my department that was used to explain how to best utilize a degree and helped to define where a student can go in the future.
On Wednesday I was part of a group that met with the AQIP evaluators. AQIP is the organization that grants Michigan Tech its accredidation. We discussed things the University is doing well and where it could improve.
We also had a lengthly USG meeting on Wednesday were we discussed many good issues. At this meeting we voted on carry-over representatives. Every class has six representatives and each year two of the six are voted to stay on USG for the next year (called carry-over). This means that those students don't have to re-run, they are then automatically on USG again next year. I was lucky enough to be elected to USG (via carry-over ) for next year!
On Thursday things took a small break...phew! It was an extremely nice day (60's and sunny). I had class, lab, and I worked.
On Friday things became busy once again. I had a tight schedule with a lot of things to fit in, including my classes, regular meetings, and work. I then started budget hearings at 4:45pm. I explained budget hearings in my last post, but in essence they are where student organizations on campus come before the WAM committee (which I sit on) and explain to us why they should get funding for next year. We sit down with each org. and talk over their budget (expenditures, revenues, etc.) in ten minute time slots. We then propose, debate/discuss, and vote on a recommended amount of money that USG should give each org. We began this process at 4:45pm on Friday and did not finish until Sunday at 9:30pm. I got done each night extremely late (just enough time to "nap" before getting up again) and then was back up really early (BH's resumed at 8 or 8:30am each morning). We ordered food throughout the weekend (because we didn't have much time for meals). Also, it should be noted that it was 80 degrees out and really nice all three days and we were stuck inside :( Also, the AC was not on yet so it was extremely hot, uncomfortable, and humid. But, I had a great time being cooped up with the same five other people for three straight days and we feel great about our work (we ended in the dollar range we were shooting for!).
So, because I was in meetings, literally all day, all weekend, my homework is just receiving its share of time. No worries though, I am pretty caught up at the very moment. In other notes, the Husky hockey season came to an end on Thursday as we lost to Colorado in overtime in the WCHA Final Five, which was held in Saint Paul. This next week I will be attending the first of some training for my PA job, an Honors Institute meeting, and my regular WHSA, WAM, and USG meetings. I will also be attending the next step in the budget process. After org.'s learn of the amount we are thinking about giving them they have the opportunity to come in and refute the amount and ask us to reconsider and increase their allocation. We then rethink, redecide and then all of our recommendations are given to the whole USG body to be voted upon.
Well, it certainly has been unseasonably warm (hot!) here. We have very little snow left (what is left is where the piles use to be -- like the 3M pile :)
Thanks for reading this far down on the post...it has been a pretty long blog, I know. Thanks for reading about me and my activities! I always look forward to hearing from any of you!
Monday, March 12, 2012
Only a few weeks left!
Well, here I go! I am now headed into the final six weeks of instruction and then a week of finals. This first year has gone by faster than I thought.....but let's focus on more current events.
This past week I had my spring break. I went home to MN, as many of you know. Nothing extra special, but still fun. My break consisted of a whole host of smaller things that added up to be pretty good.
On Saturday I got a haircut :) Saturday afternoon I went and toured some Parade of Homes, including two homes that were "green." One of these homes is Don Shelby's new house! It was pretty cool to get to see him in his future home and to discuss with him how to "green" a home. He and I also talked about policies and how he is currently working to change them!
On Tueday I had a doctor's appointment. I now officially measure over 6 feet tall :)
The begininning part of the week was spent doing homework that I had to do. ARGH.
Hill-Murray's boys hockey team made it to the state tournament and played Thursday, Friday, and Saturday! They made it to the championship game! Unfortunately they lost to Benilde-St. Margarets. But, second place in the "state of hockey" isn't bad! They should all be proud of their season!
Other time over break was spend working on applications for summer jobs. We will see if anything "comes to life" soon!
On Sunday I came back to Houghton. With the Daylight Saving Time change I only got 22 hours!(I also had to cross back into the Eastern Time Zone).
Anyway, school is back in full swing. I have exams, papers, presentations, online homework, etc. to do and it doesn't look like it will let up for a while! This coming weekend is budget hearings.
Budget hearings are where student organizations come before the WAM committee (which I sit on) and discuss why they should receive money from the Student Activity Fee (SAF) fund for next academic year. WAM then discusses each request and makes a recommendation to USG. This means that I will be sitting in a room from about 7pm on Friday to about 7pm on Sunday (minus time to sleep and eat) listening to people talk in ten minutes stints. Not sure how my homework is going to get done, but it should be fun!!
I hope you all are enjoying the spring-ish weather! Soak up those rays and let'em out in smiles!
Friday, March 2, 2012
Spring Break Time!
Hello Everyone!
I know, I know...it has been over a week since I've blogged. So, going back, here's what's new!
You may recall that I applied to become a part of Michigan Tech's Honors Institute. Last week I received my acceptance letter! Hooray! More details on this new committment will come later.
Last Wednesday was Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the lenten season. I have given up a few things and have committed to doing some things as well.
Last Thursday morning I attended the Board of Control Meeting. The Board of Control makes the big decisions for the University as a whole. It was an enlightening experience, giving me an idea of how things are approved by the board. At the meeting the Room and Board rates for next year. They also had an IRHC representative speak on behalf of the students about students' voices being heard.
Last Friday I turned in my acceptance papers for the PA job! It's now official!
Also last Friday, some friends of mine and I had tickets to the mens hockey game up in the boxes at the John MacInnes Ice Arena, Huskies versus St. Cloud State. It was pretty cool! There are lots of fun pics from the game in my photos. My friends and I enjoyed a great view, pizza, and even a visit from Blizzard, our school mascot. All in all, it was a great night of fun!
On Saturday morning I played in our playoff game for broomball. We lost 7-1 :( But, it makes me feel a bit better that the team we played ended up winning third, I believe. The season was really fun and my team was great. Special thanks to all those who helped me learn the rules and the ropes of the game and to those who watched our games!
On Saturday afternoon I went snowmobiling with my friend Shane. He took me and a few friends out for a ride. We each went for a ride and then he let us each drive it, with him on it with us of course. It was really fun! Look for the pics!
On Sunday I did my usual activities....church, laundry, and homework.
This week I have been in high gear trying to get things done on time and get things all squared away before spring break. I was so busy this week that I didn't work at all.
On Monday I attended a meeting regarding the possible closure and conversion of one of our three dining halls on campus. The Douglas Houghton Hall (DHH) Dining Hall will most likely be converted to a retail dining type operation, similar to the food court in our Memorial Union Building, but with a focus on healthy, organic, and ethnic foods. Many students are opposed to the closure of the Dining Hall, others are just opposed to the new idea, and some dislike both proposals. If you care to know what I think on the issue feel free to ask...too much to write in the blog :)
On Tuesday night and all through Wednesday we had a blizzard hit. With extremely high winds (over 40mph) and 10 inches of new snow, things moved slowly around here. The entire Michigan Tech campus closed as of 3pm on Wednesday, one of only three times they have closed in the last 20 some years! If that isn't an indication of how bad it was, I don't know what was! I was suppose to have my regular meetings as well as a Calculus exam Wednesday evening. The meetings got cancelled and my exam was moved to Thursday evening. It was a great afternoon and evening to just hunker down.
On Thursday morning I woke up early and went and worked out at the SDC (Student Development Complex - a.k.a. the gym) with some friends. I ran a few miles and then we played risbee. What a great way to start the day! Thursday evening I had my calculus exam and a chemistry review session.
And that brings us here to today. This morning I woke up extra early because Austin left at 8am. I finished up the last of my school work, did laundry, and packed. I have spanish class at noon and then we should be on the road by about 1pm! I can't wait to be home for spring break!
Also, good luck to the Hill-Murray teams that are playing tonight or this weekend, especially the boys hockey tonight in the 4AA section final versus Roseville. Make us proud!
I will see you all soon!
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Hard work pays off for those who wait...
Well I guess I will get my big news out of the way first...I got a job for next year! I have been offered a Program Assistant (PA) position on the Housing and Residential Life Staff for the academic year 2012-2013. This position is similar to a Resident Assistant (RA) position but, as the name suggests, it deals more with the programming and putting on events for the residents than the RA job does. I will be the PA for Treehouse, the hallway that focuses on the environment. I will plan events and activities for the residents that revolve around this topic. Right up my alley! As time moves on I will share my experiences of becoming, and then of course being, a PA.
In other news.....
Starting last week I began to work for Kevyn again. You may recall me calling this the 'plant job.' We are continuing on with his study and are now pulling roots out of dirt - exciting right?!? It actually is more fun than you may think, but it certainly does strain your neck...oh well.
I have been working out more regularly lately. I have a bunch of friends that enjoy going up to the gym together so we go and some people play basketball while others of us go and work out. I enjoy running and usually run about 5 miles each time.
This past weekend Michigan Tech played hockey versus University of North Dakota, Kayla's school. We lost Friday night and tied Saturday. Better luck next time Huskies!
On Saturday I went sledding with some friends. That was really fun! It was a great time to relax and enjoy winter in a capacity I haven't been able to do this yet this year!
On Sunday morning (early morning!) some friends and I surprised my friend Anna with a party for her birthday. I hope she enjoyed her special day!
On Sunday afternoon I went on a walk with some friends. We just walked the back streets of Houghton where I have never been. There are some pretty cool houses and some great views!
On Sunday night I enjoyed skyping home and talking to everyone who was at Angela's birthday party!
On Monday morning I picked up my notification letter regarding whether I got a position or not. As I said, I was offered a PA position for next year (which was my top choice!). My friend Hannah will be the RA of Treehouse, so we will work closely together to best serve the residents of our hallway! My friend Anna got the job she applied for, which was OTL, Orientation Team Leader.
I should take this opportunity to say Happy Birthday to my youngest sister, Angela! She is now 14.
It should be mentioned that there are lots of issues and topics going around right now between the different student groups I am a part of. I have been keeping myself pretty busy with meetings and such, all for the benefit of our campus and what is best for the sudents. Let's hope the Board of Control and others in power look out for the students best interest in these times of decisions for the future.
Coming up.....
I know I continue to say this, but I will push it off just a little more....I will post pictures (again, I only have a few) of Winter Carnival and other events soon (possibly Thursday), when I have a little bit of time. The link to some great Winter Carnival statue pictures is http://www.flickr.com/photos/michigantech/sets/72157628942198957/
This Friday I have a box seat ticket to the mens hockey game versus St. Cloud State. It should be fun!
Also, as lent starts tomorrow (Ash Wednesday), I will make it public that I am giving up all sweets, so please don't tempt me!
I certainly hope you all are enjoying winter (as I heard you received some this past week). Enjoy each and every day, for you never know what tomorrow may bring!
In other news.....
Starting last week I began to work for Kevyn again. You may recall me calling this the 'plant job.' We are continuing on with his study and are now pulling roots out of dirt - exciting right?!? It actually is more fun than you may think, but it certainly does strain your neck...oh well.
I have been working out more regularly lately. I have a bunch of friends that enjoy going up to the gym together so we go and some people play basketball while others of us go and work out. I enjoy running and usually run about 5 miles each time.
This past weekend Michigan Tech played hockey versus University of North Dakota, Kayla's school. We lost Friday night and tied Saturday. Better luck next time Huskies!
On Saturday I went sledding with some friends. That was really fun! It was a great time to relax and enjoy winter in a capacity I haven't been able to do this yet this year!
On Sunday morning (early morning!) some friends and I surprised my friend Anna with a party for her birthday. I hope she enjoyed her special day!
On Sunday afternoon I went on a walk with some friends. We just walked the back streets of Houghton where I have never been. There are some pretty cool houses and some great views!
On Sunday night I enjoyed skyping home and talking to everyone who was at Angela's birthday party!
On Monday morning I picked up my notification letter regarding whether I got a position or not. As I said, I was offered a PA position for next year (which was my top choice!). My friend Hannah will be the RA of Treehouse, so we will work closely together to best serve the residents of our hallway! My friend Anna got the job she applied for, which was OTL, Orientation Team Leader.
I should take this opportunity to say Happy Birthday to my youngest sister, Angela! She is now 14.
It should be mentioned that there are lots of issues and topics going around right now between the different student groups I am a part of. I have been keeping myself pretty busy with meetings and such, all for the benefit of our campus and what is best for the sudents. Let's hope the Board of Control and others in power look out for the students best interest in these times of decisions for the future.
Coming up.....
I know I continue to say this, but I will push it off just a little more....I will post pictures (again, I only have a few) of Winter Carnival and other events soon (possibly Thursday), when I have a little bit of time. The link to some great Winter Carnival statue pictures is http://www.flickr.com/photos/michigantech/sets/72157628942198957/
This Friday I have a box seat ticket to the mens hockey game versus St. Cloud State. It should be fun!
Also, as lent starts tomorrow (Ash Wednesday), I will make it public that I am giving up all sweets, so please don't tempt me!
I certainly hope you all are enjoying winter (as I heard you received some this past week). Enjoy each and every day, for you never know what tomorrow may bring!
Monday, February 13, 2012
Life Moves On...
Well, here we are. Back to the grind after a wonderful and fun weekend. Let's pick up on the activities in my life starting last Friday....
Friday was a surprisingly lazy day. I did some homework and hung out with friends. I had a broomball game in the afternoon. We won! On Friday evening there was a hockey game versus University of Nebraska-Omaha. We tied them 3-3. BUT, the exciting news of the evening was my friend Dave proposing on center ice to his girlfriend, now fiancee, Jen. I have known both Dave and Jen since arriving at Tech and it was really great to see Dave propose! Best wishes to them!
On Saturday...my family was here!! Mom, Dad, Rachel, Angela, and Grandma & Grandpa Widenstrom came to visit me for Winter Carnival. Well, actually, I had a broomball game first, at 8am. We won 7-1. Nice job Silly Salmon! My family came into town soon after and spent the day here. We walked/drove around to all of the statues and enjoyed Winter Carnival events going on, such as the booksale in the library. We went out to lunch at Applebees. I showed my family my church as well as the Forestry Building, where I have a lot of my classes and work. We also went to Walmart and the Surplus Outlet :) We all attended the hockey game that evening. Unfortunately the Huskies lost. We then went to dinner at the Rockhouse Grill and Tavern. The food was delicious! After dinner my family had to leave and begin their journey back home. Although they were only here for a day, it was still nice to see them all. Here's a shout-out to my sister Kayla (who is studying up in ND) and to the Widenstroms (Dan and Nicole) who couldn't come :(
On Sunday I went to church, did homework, and attempted to realize that I had to get back to reality. I also went up to the SDC and worked out (I ran ~ 5 miles), something I haven't done in a while.
Now that the week has started, reality has kicked back in. I have homework due and a few exams soon. Wish me luck as I study hard for the next few weeks. Spring break (3/2-3/10) is coming soon! I can't wait to be back in MN for a short time!
As this blog post is posted on February 14th, I suppose it is appropriate to wish you all a happy Feast of St. Valentine!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)